Dietary Practices and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Gabiley General Hospital, Somaliland: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90% of diabetes cases worldwide, underscoring the need for effective management, particularly in dietary practices. This study aimed to assess dietary practices and identify associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes at Gabiley General Hospital, Somaliland. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire survey at Gabiley General Hospital. A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit 168 respondents who met the clinical inclusion criteria. Data on dietary practices, sociodemographic factors, nutritional knowledge, and clinical characteristics were collected using a pre‐tested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression using Stata version 16.0. Results The study revealed that most respondents (77.38%) had poor dietary practices. Factors significantly associated with dietary practice included age (OR = 3.02, p < 0.001), household income (OR = 2.98, p < 0.001), marital status (OR = 1.61, p = 0.027), residence (OR = 2.72, p = 0.05), nutritional knowledge (OR = 38.07, p < 0.001), duration of diabetes (OR = 3.65, p < 0.001), and having other comorbidities (OR = 0.17, p < 0.001). Conclusion The high prevalence of poor dietary practices highlights a need for intervention. Enhancing nutritional education, establishing dedicated nutrition services at Gabiley General Hospital, and gaining policy support from Somaliland's health and agricultural ministries are recommended to improve dietary management and health outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes.