Evaluation of Dietary Intervention Programmes for Persons Living with Diabetes in Teaching Hospitals in Lagos State

This study evaluates the effectiveness of dietary intervention programmes designed for persons living with diabetes in teaching hospitals in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. Diabetes mellitus is a rapidly growing non-communicable disease burden in Nigeria, and medical nutrition therapy is a cornerstone of its management. Rigorous evaluation of the dietary programmes delivered in tertiary health facilities is essential to determining their clinical effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. The study employs a mixed-methods descriptive survey design, targeting 160 diabetes patients and 40 dietitians and diabetes educators in Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Lagos Island General Hospital. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, dietary recall forms, and glycaemic control records. Objectives include assessing the content and delivery quality of dietary interventions, examining patient adherence to prescribed dietary recommendations, and evaluating changes in glycaemic control indicators over six months. Recent literature from Lagos State documents high rates of dietary non-adherence among diabetes patients, attributed to cultural food preferences, economic constraints, and inadequate post-consultation support. Data were analysed using paired t-tests, mean scores, and regression analysis. The Chronic Care Model guides the study. Findings are anticipated to reveal that adherence support and follow-up frequency are the strongest predictors of improved glycaemic outcomes. Recommendations address hospital dietetics units and the Lagos State Ministry of Health regarding structured follow-up protocols and culturally adapted dietary counselling. Keywords: dietary intervention, diabetes management, persons living with diabetes, medical nutrition therapy, Lagos State.