Identifying Barriers Relevant to Nutritional Attitudes Among Patients With Metabolic Syndrome Using a Qualitative Approach

Background Metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes, especially with regard to diet, have an important role in prevention and treatment of this syndrome. This study was designed to identify barriers related to nutritional attitudes changes among patients with metabolic syndrome.
Materials & Methods This is a qualitative study in which 6 semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted at outpatient department of main general hospital of Mahabad from April to June 2013. A total of 36 married men and women with different levels of education aged 20-50 years with metabolic syndrome, diagnosed based on International Diabetes Federation criteria, were chosen by purposeful sampling method. Focus group discussions data were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis method was used for the analysis of the study data.
Results Based on data analysis, barriers related to nutritional attitudes changes among patients with metabolic syndrome identified and classified in main themes were as follows: metabolic syndrome components relationship to nutrition, fats and oils, salt, dairy products, cereals, sugary drinks and sweets, meat, and finally meals and snacks.
Conclusion Study results showed barriers related to nutritional attitudes in patients with metabolic syndrome could facilitate the designing of nutrition education programs and use in preventing metabolic syndrome consequences.