Work

Does Food Habits and Malnutrition Affect Health Perception Among Diabetic Patients? A Mediation and Moderation Analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes among young individuals has reached concerning levels, posing significant public health risks and exacerbating the economic burden on healthcare systems. The health outcomes of individuals with diabetes are heavily influenced by malnutrition and unhealthy dietary habits, which not only hamper effective blood glucose management but also negatively affect overall health perceptions. INTRODUCTION: This study analyzes the factors influencing malnutrition, food habits, and health perceptions among diabetic patients. METHODS: A well-structured questionnaire was designed to collect data. A cross-sectional survey of 503 diabetic patients across various regions in India was conducted. Additionally, structural equation modeling, as well as mediation and moderation analyses, were performed. RESULTS: The study findings revealed that dietary knowledge, dietitian-led interventions, and economic factors significantly influenced malnutrition and health outcomes. Conversely, nutritional quality did not emerge as a significant predictor. DISCUSSIONS: The study will help pharmaceutical companies, governments, and healthcare practitioners in marketing dietary supplements, design focused dietary programs, and develop health education campaigns to improve diabetes patients' quality of life. The findings illuminated the critical roles of dietary knowledge, dietitian-led interventions, economic factors, and lifestyle modifications in managing malnutrition and enhancing health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated significant mediation and moderation effects, emphasizing the complex interplay between food habits and malnutrition on health perceptions. However, nutritional quality was not a significant predictor, and the research underscored the necessity of holistic, personalized interventions. This will also help medical marketers in devising their marketing strategies.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101093

Authors: Sufyan Habib, Nawaf N. Hamadneh, Asif Hasan, Ahmed S. M. Almamy, Bandar N. Hamadneh

Institutions: Saudi Electronic University, Ajloun National University

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes Management and Education

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258