Development and Validation of a Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders
Abstract
Poor nutrition and poor dietary intake have been documented in the population of persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). For example, studies of persons with SCI/D have shown higher than recommended fat, sodium, and alcohol intake; lower than recommended daily intakes of whole fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; an imbalance in fiber intake and micronutrients; and higher energy intake relative to energy needs. However, little is known about nutrition knowledge that can influence the nutrition and dietary intake of individuals with SCI/D. But we do know that knowledge is a key factor in people’s decisions and behaviors. So, better nutrition knowledge can inform individual’s behaviors and actions related to nutrition, eating, and health. In fact, increased nutrition knowledge has been shown to improve dietary habits and lower rates of overweight and obesity. To date, there is no questionnaire available to accurately assess nutrition knowledge in persons with SCI/D. The objective of this study is to develop a questionnaire that is relevant to individuals with SCI/D that will measure their nutrition knowledge. This questionnaire will allow standardized assessment of nutrition knowledge, which will help inform and engage people with SCI/D, to help them adequately manage their nutrition. This is extremely important within the SCI/D community, because poor nutrition can impact chronic conditions (e.g., cardiometabolic health) and secondary conditions. For example, knowledge is needed about balancing fiber intake for bowel care and/or balancing protein intake for prevention or healing of pressure injuries. The proposed research will result in a nutrition knowledge questionnaire that was developed using feedback from individuals with SCI/D and SCI/D health care providers. We believe that once the questionnaire is finalized it can be immediately used to achieve individual outcomes. For instance, the questionnaire can identify gaps in nutrition knowledge that can be addressed during clinical care. Once we have identified common gaps across diverse samples of individuals with SCI/D, we will also be able to develop educational programs and other efforts to address the knowledge gaps in order to improve nutrition knowledge (and subsequent behaviors). An SCI/D-specific nutrition knowledge questionnaire will advance the field of SCI/D research, patient care and health outcomes, and quality of life. The proposed research will contribute to a better understanding of individuals’ nutrition knowledge, which can be used to develop programs and interventions to improve individuals’ nutrition knowledge and guide subsequent nutrition behaviors. The proposed project will help reduce the impact on increased morbidity/mortality that has been demonstrated in individuals with SCI/D who are overweight/obese or have poor nutrition, including related comorbidities and secondary conditions that can be caused by or worsened by poor nutrition and can be helped by adequate measurement of nutritional knowledge.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 28, 2022
- Source ID
- W81XWH2210544
Entities
People
- Sherri L. LaVela
Organizations
- United States Army
- VA Boston Healthcare System