Vol. 7, Issue 5, Part A (2025)

Diet plays a pivotal role in maintaining health and preventing various diseases, particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Adherence to dietary recommendations is crucial for optimal health outcomes; however, various factors influence individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding dietary adherence, leading to disparities in adherence levels across population. Understanding these factors is important for designing effective interventions aimed at promoting dietary adherence and improving health outcomes. Diet-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, are significant contributors to the global burden of disease. In India, the prevalence of these conditions has been steadily rising, posing substantial challenges to public health systems and individual well-being. In Karnataka, a state known for its diverse culinary traditions and cultural practices, variations in dietary patterns are observed across different regions and demographic groups. Bijapur District exemplifies this diversity, encompassing a blend of urban and rural communities with distinct dietary habits shaped by cultural, economic, and environmental factors. Despite its rich culinary heritage, Bijapur faces the dual burden of undernutrition and diet-related chronic diseases, underscoring the importance of understanding and addressing dietary behaviors in the local population. The study aims to evaluate knowledge level, attitude towards dietary recommendations, and perceived importance and feasibility of adherence, as well as actual adherence to dietary recommendations and barriers faced in Bijapur district.