Abstract:

Purpose: We aimed to determine the nutrition literacy and diet self-efficacy levels of individuals who have a cardiovascular disease or risk factors and receive dietary therapy, and to determine the effect of nutrition literacy on diet self-efficacy. Methods: “Nutrition Literacy Assessment Tool in Adults” and “Self-Efficacy Scale in the Regulation Nutritional Habits in Heart Patients” were used among 150 participants between November 2019 and February 2020. Participants' age, sex, place of residence, educational levels, current cardiovascular diseases and risk factors, previous cardiovascular operations, other accompanying chronic diseases, and previous dietary treatment were questioned; height, body weight, and waist circumference were measured. Results: A significant difference was found between the educational levels of the participants, their place of residence, and their nutrition literacy levels (p<0.05). The nutrition literacy levels of all participants were determined to be "borderline". All individuals participating in the study were found to have low diet self-efficacy levels. A very significant positive correlation was found between diet self-efficacy levels and nutrition literacy levels and components of nutrition literacy among the individuals participating in the study (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dietary therapy and nutrition education plays an important role in individuals with cardiovascular disease and risk factors. Nutrition education for these individuals may be beneficial by also considering their nutrition literacy and diet self-efficacy levels.

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