Low Carb Diet-Related Quality of Life (QOL) and Health Outcomes

Abstract

To develop a questionnaire to measure the influence of Low Carb Diet Therapy on patients’ Quality of Life, and also assess the effect of Low Carb Diet on biochemical, anthropometric and dietary intake parameters reflecting on the evaluation of care, health status and thus the efficacy of online consultation and review methods during COVID-19 Pandemic. Thirty five patients visiting the Diabetologist / Endocrinologist through online methods prescribed Low Carb Diets were administered the QOL questionnaire in Google Form through WhatsApp at online visit to the doctor and the subsequent visit. Other demographic, biochemical, anthropometric parameters, and diet recall were gathered at baseline and the subsequent review. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Reliability Analysis (RA) using Cronbach’s alpha, test-retest reliability were done. The questionnaire assessed 15 aspects or questions in the QOL. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a three-factor solution with eigen values >1 and factor loadings >0.3. The first factor contained 5 reliable items, the second factor contained 4 items, third factor with 6 items (with Cronbach’s Alpha= 0.669, 0.884, 0.775 respectively) As hypothesized, the QOL was better among patients following Low Carb Diets with higher levels of happiness, more satisfaction with their life and health and also, their biochemical, anthropometric and intake improved. These findings indicate the efficacy of the Low Carb Diet education on QOL and the influence on biochemical, anthropometric and dietary intake parameters was noted. This also shows the efficacy of online consultation and review methods during Pandemic.