Association between dietary profile and socio demographic characteristics among adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension in South Andaman

Abstract

Background: Dietary profile describes an individual’s usual dietary pattern, including the type, quantity and diversity of foods consumed, along with nutritional adequacy. Although diverse, nutrient-rich diets are recommended for the prevention and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), dietary diversity among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension remain inadequately documented, particularly in geographically isolated regions like South Andaman. This study assesses the dietary profile of adults with Diabetes and/or Hypertension in South Andaman and examines its association with selected sociodemographic and clinical factors.
Materials and Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 400 adults with diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes and/or Hypertension attending three health centres in South Andaman. Participants were consecutively recruited sociodemographic details, anthropometric measurements and a 24-hour dietary diversity recall were obtained. Dietary diversity scores were computed as per FAO recommendations, while calorie and protein intake were assessed using ICMR guidelines.
Results: Dietary diversity was predominantly high (95%). It showed no association with most of the sociodemographic and clinical variables considered except for BMI (P=0.048) and sleep duration (P=0.005). Females reported significantly low calorie intake (P=0.047). Lower protein intake was associated with female gender (P<0.001), lower socioeconomic status (P=0.047), nuclear family (P<0.001) and BMI (P=0.010).
Conclusion: Although dietary diversity was largely adequate among adults with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension in South Andaman, disparities in calorie and protein intake warrant focused nutritional interventions.