Differences in Social Support Received and Its Association With Dietary Self-Care Adherence Among Adults Living With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study

Social support is known to have a positive association with dietary adherence among persons living with diabetes (PLWD). However, does social support from healthcare professionals and family members have the same effect on adherence? To address this question, the study examined differences in social support received and its association with overall dietary adherence, as well as specific dietary adherence. We analysed the observations of 398 PLWD who participated in a cross-sectional study conducted in the Ashanti region of Ghana between April and June 2023. Dietary self-care adherence was computed as a continuous variable based on participants’ responses to five indicators (preparing a healthful eating plan, following an eating plan, consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, eating high-fat foods, and spacing carbohydrates). Multivariate linear regression model was fitted to assess the association between social support and dietary self-care adherence. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Only 29.7% of PLWD received high social support from family members, while 30.9% received high level of social support from healthcare professionals. Compared with those receiving low support, participants with moderate healthcare professional support had significantly higher scores for having a healthful eating plan (β = 1.52, 95%CI: 0.93, 2.10) and following an eating plan (β = 1.33, 95%CI: 0.78, 1.89). The association was stronger among those with high healthcare professional support, who were more likely to report having a healthful eating plan (β = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.48, 2.61) and following an eating plan (β = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.41, 2.50). Moderate (β = −0.67, 95%CI: −1.14, −0.19) and high family support (β = −0.84, 95% CI: −1.36, −0.32) were associated with both reduced fruit and vegetable consumption scores. PLWD who received moderate healthcare professional support were less likely to practice carbohydrate spacing (β = −0.47, 95%CI: −0.02, −0.93). The study underscores the importance of structured, professional guidance in diabetes management. To optimise outcomes, healthcare systems should prioritise training programmes that equip clinicians with the skills to provide tailored dietary counselling and ongoing support.