Non-Adherence to Lifestyle Modifications Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending OPD Diabetic Clinic of Ssekanyonyi Health Centre IV, Mityana District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2275Keywords:
Non-adherence, Lifestyle modification, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Outpatient diabetic clinic, Primary healthcare, Mityana DistrictAbstract
Background:
Lifestyle modification is a cornerstone in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and includes dietary control, regular physical activity, weight management, and avoidance of harmful habits. This study aimed to assess the factors contributing to non-adherence to lifestyle modifications among type 2 diabetic patients attending the outpatient diabetic clinic at Ssekanyonyi Health Centre IV, Mityana District.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 36 type 2 diabetic patients attending the OPD diabetic clinic at Ssekanyonyi Health Centre IV. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, individual-related factors, and health facility-related factors influencing adherence to lifestyle modifications. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and findings were presented in frequencies and percentages.
Results:
Most of the respondents were male (75%) and aged 26–30 years (50%). Individual-related factors contributing to non-adherence included the presence of other illnesses that interfered with lifestyle changes (72.2%) and low confidence in implementing lifestyle modifications (75%). A high proportion of respondents relied on traditional remedies for diabetes control (61.1%), while only 2.6% trusted regular exercise. Heavy workload was reported by 75% of respondents as a major barrier to adherence. Health facility-related factors included inadequate guidance from health workers, reported by 41.7% of respondents, long waiting times of 1–2 hours for consultations (41.7%), rude attitudes from health workers (41.7%), and long travel distances to the clinic, with 50% travelling 6–10 km.
Conclusion:
Non-adherence to lifestyle modifications among type 2 diabetic patients is influenced by multiple individual and health facility-related factors, including poor knowledge, low self-confidence, reliance on traditional remedies, inadequate counselling, long waiting times, negative health worker attitudes, and distance to health facilities.
Recommendations:
Health workers should strengthen patient education and counselling on lifestyle modifications.
Community-based education programs should address misconceptions and promote adherence to recommended diabetic lifestyle practices.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Laura Maria Kirabo, Hasifa Nansereko, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu, Jane Frank Nalubega
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