The Relationship of Knowledge and Attitude with Dietary Adherence in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in the Working Area of Bissappu Health Center in 2025

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels due to impaired insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. One of the important aspects of long-term management of diabetes mellitus is adherence to an appropriate diet. A proper diet can help keep blood sugar levels stable and prevent long-term complications. However, many people with diabetes mellitus do not have an adequate understanding of the importance of a proper diet. In the working area of the Bissappu Health Center, Bantaeng Regency, cases of diabetes mellitus continue to increase every year, while data on the level of dietary adherence of patients is still not systematically documented. Therefore, the patient's knowledge and attitude towards the diabetes mellitus diet is an important aspect that needs to be researched. This study aims to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitude and dietary adherence in patients with diabetes mellitus in  the working area of the Bissappu Health Center, Bantaeng Regency. This type of research is descriptive correlation with cross-sectional design. The total sample of 47 respondents with diabetes mellitus was selected using accidental sampling techniques. Data is collected through a questionnaire that has been tested for validity. Data analysis using spearmen correlation test. The results showed a significant relationship between knowledge and dietary adherence (p = 0.001; r = 0.476) and attitude with diet adherence (p = 0.003; r = 0.418). The majority of respondents showed a low level of knowledge, attitude, and dietary adherence. There was a meaningful relationship between knowledge and attitudes and dietary adherence in people with DM. It is recommended that health workers be more active in providing education and continuous interventions to increase patient awareness and compliance in carrying out the diet as recommended.