Preferences and self-efficacy for diet modification among primary care patients

Limited data exist about patient preferences and self-efficacy for different diets. We explored the preferences and self-efficacy of primary care patients for reducing fat, reducing carbohydrates, or reducing calories. We conducted a self-administered survey study of 71 primary care patients (response rate of 52%). Of patients, 59%, 53%, and 60% had high self-efficacy for reducing fat, reducing carbohydrates, and reducing calories from their diet, respectively. Preferences were comparable, with 76% highly willing to reduce fat, 76% highly willing to reduce carbohydrates, and 72% of patients highly willing to reduce calories/portions. Female sex and higher BMI were associated with high self-efficacy for all three dietary changes. A significantly higher proportion of nonwhites than whites had high self-efficacy for reducing fat and reducing carbohydrates (P < 0.05). Obese patients in our study have similarly high willingness and self-efficacy and comparable preferences for adopting changes consistent with three popular diets.