Determinants of dietary behaviour in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury or lower limb amputation: Perspectives of rehabilitation professionals and wheelchair users

PLoS ONE, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0228465 · Published: January 31, 2020

Nutrition & Dietetics Rehabilitation Disability

Simple Explanation

This study explores what affects the eating habits of wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries or lower limb amputations, gathering insights from both the users and the professionals who help them. The goal is to use this information to create better health programs for wheelchair users, helping them to adopt healthier diets. Focus groups were conducted with both wheelchair users and rehabilitation professionals to gather data and understand their perspectives.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

25 wheelchair users and 11 rehabilitation professionals

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Personal factors like knowledge about nutrition, boredom, fatigue, and motivation significantly influence dietary choices in wheelchair users.
2
Environmental factors, such as unadjusted kitchens, the cost of healthy food, and the support of family and friends, play a crucial role in dietary behavior.
3
Interventions targeting modifiable factors like knowledge, habits, and motivation, and involving relatives, may improve dietary behavior in wheelchair users.

Research Summary

This study identified various personal and environmental determinants of dietary behaviour in wheelchair users with SCI or LLA, providing insights for developing targeted interventions. The findings highlight the importance of modifiable personal factors like knowledge, fatigue, and motivation, as well as the influence of the social environment, especially family support. The study suggests that future interventions should focus on education, skill-building, and involving the social environment to promote healthier dietary habits among wheelchair users.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Design interventions to address modifiable determinants like knowledge, fatigue, habits, and motivation.

Environmental Adjustments

Promote kitchen adjustments and accessible scales to facilitate healthy cooking and weight monitoring.

Social Support

Involve relatives and provide education to family members to foster a supportive environment.

Study Limitations

1
Selection bias may have occurred, as participants interested in a healthy lifestyle were more inclined to participate.
2
The focus groups with wheelchair users and rehabilitation professionals were performed separately, preventing interaction between the two groups.
3
The BMI figures are based on self-report, they must be interpreted with caution.

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