Journal article
Facilitators of and Barriers to Adherence to Dietary Interventions Perceived by Women With Multiple Sclerosis and Their Support Persons
International journal of MS care, Vol.24(5), pp.235-241
05/26/2022
DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2021-051
PMCID: PMC9461720
PMID: 36090239
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently report implementing dietary strategies as part of their personal wellness programs; however, little is known about the perceived themes of healthy behavior change in people with MS.
Methods:
Semistructured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 20 women with MS enrolled in 2 different restrictive dietary intervention studies and their 18 self-identified support persons consisting of partners and adult children. Interviews were transcribed, coded, categorized, and then grouped into summative themes. The frequency of issues being mentioned as facilitators of or barriers to diet adherence was evaluated to identify possible differences in perceived experiences between women with MS and their support persons during the studies.
Results:
Five qualitative themes were identified: (1) personal motivation, (2) diet components, (3) time, (4) support, and (5) resource access. Major facilitators of dietary adherence were positive support from support persons and study staff, access to resources, symptom improvement, and personal motivation. Major barriers included the novelty of the study diet, lack of cooking skills, no change in or worsening of symptoms, lack of diet knowledge, and food preferences and temptations. Symptom severity was more frequently reported as a barrier to study diet adherence among participants with secondary progressive MS.
Conclusions:
Methods to enhance personal motivation and ensure positive support from support persons and study staff may improve study diet adherence. Due to the unique challenges faced by people with MS, future studies should tailor interventions to their unique MS cohort to increase diet adherence.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Facilitators of and Barriers to Adherence to Dietary Interventions Perceived by Women With Multiple Sclerosis and Their Support Persons
- Creators
- Cassidy Dean - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineSamantha Parks - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineTyler J. Titcomb - University of IowaAndrea Arthofer - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicinePaul Meirick - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineNicole Grogan - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineMary A. Ehlinger - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineBabita Bisht - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineSara Shuger Fox - Central CollegeSandra Daack-Hirsch - University of IowaLinda G. Snetselaar - University of IowaTerry L. Wahls - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- International journal of MS care, Vol.24(5), pp.235-241
- DOI
- 10.7224/1537-2073.2021-051
- PMID
- 36090239
- PMCID
- PMC9461720
- ISSN
- 1537-2073
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/26/2022
- Academic Unit
- Neurology; Epidemiology; Nursing; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Public Policy Center (Archive); General Internal Medicine; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984274856202771
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