Recommendations of dietitians for overcoming barriers to dietary adherence in individuals with diabetes.
The purposes of this research were to (1) identify factors that contribute to the barriers to dietary adherence in individuals with diabetes identified in a 1998 study and (2) obtain recommendations from registered dietitians for strategies to overcome these barriers.



A 10-item, open-ended telephone questionnaire was used to obtain information. The sample included 75 registered dietitians who participated in a previous survey to identify barriers and agreed to a follow-up telephone interview.



Of the 75 participants, 28% reported spending 5 hours or less per week counseling individuals with diabetes, 64% spent between 6 and 30 hours, and 8% spent more than 31 hours per week. Almost half of the participants (47%) were certified diabetes educators. Factors identified as the greatest contributors to the barriers being evaluated included lack of time, lack of symptoms, lack of education (including follow-up), poor self-esteem/lack of empowerment, and misinformation from family/peers/others with diabetes. The primary recommendations for overcoming each of these barriers included individualizing meal plans and planning ahead, teaching about complications, and setting obtainable goals.



The registered dietitians who were surveyed emphasized the importance of individualizing dietary counseling.
Williamson
A R
AR
The School of Human Ecology, Loui­siana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana
Hunt
A E
AE
The School of Human Ecology, Loui­siana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana
Pope
J F
JF
The School of Human Ecology, Loui­siana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana
Tolman
N M
NM
The School of Human Ecology, Loui­siana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D003927:Diet, Diabetic / Q000523:psychology*; D004046:Dietetics / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008612:Menu Planning; D020380:Needs Assessment; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires