# Dietary patterns and associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending Wolaita Sodo university comprehensive specialized hospitals, South Ethiopia

## TL;DR

This study explores the dietary habits of type 2 diabetes patients in Ethiopia and finds that occupation and health conditions influence their food choices.

## Contribution

The study identifies two distinct dietary patterns among T2DM patients and links them to occupational status and comorbidities in a low-resource setting.

## Key findings

- A mixed dietary pattern, including raw meat and soft drinks, is associated with being a daily laborer.
- A traditional dietary pattern is inversely linked to the presence of comorbid conditions.
- Occupational status and comorbidity burden are significant determinants of dietary behavior in T2DM patients.

## Abstract

A controlled diet is essential for delaying disease progression and achieving optimal glycemic control among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, inappropriate dietary practices remain common in low-resource settings. This hospital-based cross-sectional study examined dietary patterns and associated factors among adults with T2DM attending Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 416 participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, including a one-week food frequency questionnaire, socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, nutrition knowledge, and fasting blood sugar measurements. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis, and multiple linear regression models were applied to assess associated factors. Two major dietary patterns were identified, jointly explaining 20.7% of the total variance in dietary intake, indicating meaningful heterogeneity in food consumption behaviors. The mixed dietary pattern, characterized by higher consumption of raw meat, boiled beef, eggs, kocho, kita, and soft drinks, accounted for 10.6% of the variance and was positively associated with being a daily laborer (β = 0.10; 95% CI 0.03, 0.18). The traditional dietary pattern explained 10.1% of the variance and was inversely associated with the presence of comorbid conditions (β = − 0.30; 95% CI–0.62, − 0.02). Distinct dietary patterns were observed among patients with T2DM, with occupational status and comorbidity burden emerging as significant determinants of dietary behavior. These findings underscore the need for culturally tailored nutrition education and dietary counseling interventions to improve diabetes management in similar resource-limited settings.