Analyzing Dietary Behaviors Self-reported by People With Diabetes Using a Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore both the dietary-related behavior change techniques (BCTs) adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) described to enact themselves and the BCTs they perceived their dietitians to enact within consultations.

DESIGN

Qualitative study involving semistructured telephone interviews with adults who consulted with a dietitian after their T2D diagnosis. Participants shared their experience of dietary behavior change and interactions with dietitians.

SETTING

Telephone-based interviews from an Australian university setting.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-one adults (12 females and 9 males) aged 36-75 years were self-selected and invited by email.

PHENOMENON OF INTEREST

Dietary behavior changes reportedly enacted after a T2D diagnosis by participants and their dietitians.

ANALYSIS

Transcripts were analyzed through thematic content analysis according to the BCT taxonomy.

RESULTS

Participants described several BCTs such as problem-solving and self-monitoring (behavior), which helped their dietary behavior change. Participants perceived their dietitians to use BCTs, including goal setting (outcome), self-monitoring (behavior), and instruction on how to perform the behavior. These participants who had consulted with a dietitian reported additional techniques than those prescribed in the consultation process.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Adults with T2D undertake a variety of BCTs to support dietary behavior change. Dietitians can draw on behavior change taxonomies to support behavior change in clients.