Level of Knowledge, Physical Activity and Dietary Behaviour of Type 2 Diabetics at the Abidjan Diabetes Center

Aims: Type 2 diabetes, commonly known as diabetes mellitus, is a major public health problem due to its prevalence worldwide. This chronic disease is the 9th leading cause of death worldwide. However, in addition to medical treatment, its management requires appropriate hygienic and dietary measures, in particular a suitable diet and regular physical activity. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and practice of physical activity and the quality of the diet of diabetics at the Abidjan Anti-diabetic Center (CADA).

Methodology: This study was a survey with 50 diabetics of CADA. A questionnaire sheet served as a data collection tool to research the level of knowledge and practice of physical activity as well as the quality of the diet of the respondents.

Results: The results showed that the sample included 38 women (76%) and 12 men (24%) aged between 33 and 75 years. 70% of the respondents had been ill for at least 5 years. The results also showed that 48 (96%) diabetics had a low level of general knowledge of physical activity. Before the diagnosis of diabetes, 45 respondents (90%) had a low level of physical activity. After diagnosis, 37 diabetics (74%) had a low level of physical activity. The results also showed that the proportion of diabetics with a good level of physical activity after the diagnosis of diabetes was statistically higher (p < 0.05) than the proportion of diabetics with a good level of physical activity before the disease. With regard to diet quality, the results show that all patients (100%) had a poor diet quality before the diagnosis of diabetes. After being declared diabetic, only 6% of diabetics surveyed had a good quality diet.

Conclusion: It is important to conduct information and awareness-raising campaigns among the general population, and especially among diabetics, on the importance of hygienic-dietary measures, i.e. a suitable diet and regular exercise.