Compliance to Dietary Counselling in Controlling Blood Lipid and its Barriers among Dyslipidemic Individuals

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor causing cardiovascular disease and compliance to dietary counselling results in an improved lipid profile. The present study aimed to assess the compliance to dietary counselling and its barriers among dyslipidemic individuals attending dietary follow-ups counselling in Diet Clinic of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). A cross sectional study using the convenience sampling technique was conducted from May to June 2012. Data on food intake, lifestyle habits, physical activity level and barriers in adhering to dietary counselling were collected using interview-based questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements were conducted, while blood lipid profile and medical information were obtained from medical records. The results showed that non-compliance is prevalent among dyslipidemic patients who received dietary counselling. Most subjects (81%) were unable to achieve at least four of the therapeutic lifestyle change dietary recommendations as outlined by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Factors such as time, food taste and price have been reported as the main barriers to comply towards dietary counselling. A significantly higher proportion of those in non-compliance group did not meet total fat (p < 0.001) and saturated fat (p < 0.001) recommendations as compared to the compliance group. In conclusion, acknowledgements of barriers while providing dietary education are necessary to improve dyslipidemic patients’ compliance with controlling blood lipid.