Investigating the Relationship Between Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Self-Care Components in Iranian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Based on Demographic Data Analysis

Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license

Authors

1 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Department of Sports Sciences (Covilhã, Portugal)

3 Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Science (INEF), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Abstract

Abstract

Aim: Type 2 diabetes, with its increasing prevalence in Iran, requires multifaceted management including self-care behaviors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and self-care components among Iranian adults with type 2 diabetes.

Method: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least one year. Data were collected using the validated DSMQ questionnaire and a 16-item Mediterranean diet adherence tool. Self-care behaviors and dietary adherence were categorized into three levels. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, including descriptive statistics, normality testing, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered.

Results: The results indicated a positive but non-significant correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and diabetes self-care indicators (r = 0.07; p = 0.30). Although individuals with higher dietary scores showed slight tendencies toward self-care behaviors, the association was statistically weak and not generalizable. These findings suggest that a healthy diet alone may not sufficiently enhance diabetes self-care levels.

Conclusion: Improving self-care behaviors in diabetic patients requires a multidimensional approach beyond dietary modification. Effective interventions should also address psychological, educational, and environmental factors to achieve sustainable health outcomes. Sole focus on healthy eating, without considering other behavioral components, may not adequately meet the care needs of this patient population.

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Research in Exercise Nutrition
Volume 4, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
September 2025
Pages 55-63

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History

  • Receive Date: 23 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 09 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 22 December 2025
  • First Publish Date: 22 December 2025

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