Factors Influencing Practice of Optimal Dietary Intake of Alcoholics under Rehabilitation in Asumbi-Homabay, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Optimal dietary intake in alcohol rehabilitation is a pathway that reflects self-care, commitment to staying sober and is a vital adjunct in effective alcohol rehabilitation. Objective: This qualitative study sought to elicit facilitators and barriers that influence the practice of optimal dietary intake during the three months of alcohol rehabilitation. Methods: A question guide was utilized to solicit information through in-depth interviews from 15 alcoholics and 5 health professionals until saturation point. Constant comparative approach was used to analyze verbatim transcripts obtained from in-depth interviews. This analysis entailed three stages including open, axial and selective coding. Results: Recuperating alcoholics’ appreciated the health benefits of practicing optimal dietary intake in restoring their health, with health professionals being significantly supportive which translated into increased self-efficacy to practice of optimal dietary intake during alcohol rehabilitation. Conclusions: The rehabilitation centres should have nutritionists besides other health professionals who can offer individualized nutrition services needed by the recuperating alcoholics.