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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: behavioral research; counseling; dietetics; qualitative research; type 2 diabetes.