JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Healthy dietary intake reduces the risk of complications of diabetes mellitus. Using assessment methods helps to understand these circumstances, and an electronic application may optimize this practice.

Objective:

In this study, we aim to (1) assess the dietary intake and health status of elderly patients with Type 2 diabetes from primary care; (2) use a mobile app as a tool for data collection and analysis in the context of primary care; and (3) verify the perceptions of health professionals regarding the app use.

Methods:

First, we developed a mobile app comprising the questions of the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN) of Brazil, which includes a food frequency questionnaire of food categories with a recall of the previous 7 days. Thereafter, we used the app to collect data on the health status and dietary intake of 154 participants, aged 60-96 years, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and under treatment in primary care centers in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We also collected participants’ demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle variables. The associations between the dietary intake and other variables were tested using the Chi-square test with a 5% significance level. Regarding the app, we assessed usability and acceptance with 20 health professionals.

Results:

Most participants had an intake of raw salads, fruits, milk products, fried foods, savory biscuits, cookies or sweets, and sugary drinks in line with recommended guidelines. Meanwhile, the intake of beans, pulses and cooked vegetables, and processed meat products were not in line with recommended guidelines. There were statistically significant differences in meeting the recommended guidelines among participants of different genders (P=.006 and P=.035 for the intake of fried foods and sugary drinks, respectively), place of residence (P=.034 for the intake of cookies and sweets), family history of diabetes (P<.001 for the intake of beans), physical activity engagement (P=.003 for the intake fresh fruits), history of smoking (P=.001 for the intake of raw salads), and presence of coronary diseases (P=.050 for the intake of pulses and cooked vegetables). The assessments revealed participants’ positive perceptions towards the app and high scores of usability and acceptance.

Conclusions:

We found that most participants comply with recommended intake guidelines for 7 out of 10 categories. Also, most participants were overweight, with nutritional and clinical disorders. The app was well-rated and considered a useful and promising tool in collecting and analyzing data in primary care settings.