Multivariate Analysis of Determinants of Balanced Diet Adherence among Diabetes Mellitus Patients Lia Fentia1, Chrismis Novalinda Ginting2, Linda Chiuman2,*

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an increasing health problem that requires proper management, including adherence to a balanced diet. This study aims to analyse the factors associated with adherence to a balanced diet and identify the dominant factors in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Pekanbaru. The research design used a cross-sectional quantitative method with a sample of 234 respondents taken by proportional random sampling from 21 health centres based on the number of registered patients according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were analysed using chi square test and multiple logistic regression. The results showed that higher education (p=0.0001; OR=3.25), positive intention (p=0.0001; OR=2.58), favourable perception (p=0.006; OR=2.18), as well as family support (p=0.0001; OR=3.02) and health worker support (p=0.0001; OR=4.90) were significantly associated with dietary adherence. Multivariate analysis revealed family support (p=0.001; OR=4.29) as the dominant factor influencing dietary adherence, followed by health professional support (p=0.001; OR=3.79) and individual intention (p=0.003; OR=2.77). Perception had no significant effect in the final model. These findings emphasise the important role of family support and healthcare professionals in improving dietary adherence of diabetic patients and the need for integrated interventions for sustainable disease management.