A Tailored Habits-based Dietary Intervention Coupled with Oral Rehabilitation on the Nutritional Status of Partially Dentate Older Adults (P04-018-19)

OBJECTIVES: This study developed and tested a habit-based tailored dietary intervention, in conjunction with oral rehabilitation amongst partially dentate older adults. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial was conducted on 56 patients recruited from the Centre for Dentistry, Queens University Belfast (mean age = 71.8 years). Participants were randomised to an intervention group (habits-based dietary intervention) or a control group and followed up for 8 months. The intervention group attended four meetings with a trained researcher to discuss individual areas of their dietary intake (fruit/vegetables, wholegrains, healthy proteins). Habit formation was assessed using the Self-Report Behavioural Automaticity Index (SRBAI) and the primary outcome measure was self-reported automaticity for healthy food choices. RESULTS: Preliminary results showed that change in automaticity and habit adherence in the intervention group for all tailored dietary habits was significant between baseline and follow up visits (P 0.05). BMI decreased in the intervention group (29.5 to 28.6 kg/m2) compared to a slight increase in the control group (27.9 to 28.0 kg/m2). There were improvements in Mini Nutritional Assessment (0.75 intervention: 0.53 control) mean change scores for both groups, however between-group differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Based on preliminary results, this study demonstrated the success of a habit-based dietary intervention coupled with oral rehabilitation in positively influencing dietary behaviours and other nutritional outcomes in partially dentate older adults. FUNDING SOURCES: Northern Ireland HSC Research and Development Office and the Health Service Executive Awards on Ageing.