Croyances et pratiques alimentaires chez des diabétiques de type 2 à Bamako (Mali)

Beliefs and food practices of type 2 diabetes in Mali were assessed from May to October 2005 in 57 outpatients attending the primary health care services for diabetes at the Centre national de lutte contre le diabète (CNLD) in Bamako. Beliefs and food practices were obtained using a questionnaire. The majority of participants (96%) reported that they had received advice on the diabetic diet provided by the doctor (94%). More women (98%) than men (83%) reported that they had changed their dietary habit since the discovery of their diabetes. None of the diabetic men in the study reported to be responsible for the purchase and preparation of food in the household. Concerning beliefs about nutrition, the proportion of participants who thought that a diabetic can no longer eat the same food as other members of his family were significantly higher among males than females (p = 0.001). However, more women than men believed that a diabetic should not eat in the common dish (p < 0.04) and should no longer eat fruits because of their sweetness (p < 0.02). The proportion of participants who believe that diet plays an important role in the onset of diabetes is significantly higher among men than women (p = 0.04). This study shows the need for better information and the necessity of improving the care and counselling of diabetics in Mali.