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Navigating dietary advice for multiple sclerosis
- Source :
- Health Expectations, Vol 24, Iss 3, Pp 853-862 (2021), Health Expectations : An International Journal of Public Participation in Health Care and Health Policy
- Publication Year :
- 2021
- Publisher :
- Wiley, 2021.
-
Abstract
- Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease with no known cure. Numerous diets are promoted to reduce symptoms or even cure MS, despite insufficient evidence for any therapeutic diet. There are few qualitative studies exploring the experiences of people with MS in relation to diet, and no use of theory to explain the findings. Purpose To explore the experiences of adults with MS when navigating dietary advice, their attitudes when making dietary decisions, and their needs regarding dietary resources and education. Methods In this qualitative study, we conducted six focus groups with people with MS (n = 33 plus one spouse without MS). Groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Primary analysis used a general inductive approach with thematic analysis. Secondary analysis aligned themes with the constructs of the self-determination theory. Results Six themes emerged: (a) confusion about where to seek dietary advice; (b) scepticism towards national dietary guidelines; (c) personalized approaches to dietary change; (d) barriers to dietary changes; (e) judging if dietary changes work; and (f) wanting dietary guidelines for MS. Conclusion People with MS are highly motivated to make dietary changes and improve their health. The self-determination theory explained why people with MS make dietary modifications, and the varying levels of motivation. MS-specific dietary resources and nutrition education need to incorporate ways to increase autonomous forms of motivation. Future dietary intervention studies could use the self-determination theory as a framework to improve long-term adherence to healthier diets.
- Subjects :
- Gerontology
Adult
Medicine (General)
media_common.quotation_subject
Nutrition Education
self‐determination theory
multiple sclerosis
03 medical and health sciences
0302 clinical medicine
R5-920
motivation
medicine
Humans
030212 general & internal medicine
autonomy
Self-determination theory
Qualitative Research
media_common
dietary modifications
030503 health policy & services
Multiple sclerosis
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
medicine.disease
Focus group
Original Research Paper
Spouse
qualitative
focus groups
Thematic analysis
Public aspects of medicine
RA1-1270
0305 other medical science
Psychology
diet
Original Research Papers
Autonomy
Qualitative research
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13696513 and 13697625
- Volume :
- 24
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Health Expectations
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....e412b464762623faa3b5c8b2627215a7