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A Tailored Dietary Sodium Intervention Using Technology and Psychosocial Support: A Pilot Study
Seongkum Heo1, Jean McSweeney, T Elaine Prewitt
1Seongkum Heo, PhD, RN Associate Professor, College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock. Jean McSweeney, PhD, RN Professor and Associate Dean for Research, College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock. T. Elaine Prewitt, DrPH Associate Professor, College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock. Jeannette Y. Lee, PhD Professor, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock Debra K. Moser, PhD, RN Professor and Gill Chair of Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington. Allison Shaw-Devine, MD Assistant Professor, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock. Audrey Morell, MNSc, APRN, FNP-BC Nurse practitioner in Electrophysiology, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS), Little Rock, Arkansas. JinShil Kim, PhD, RN Professor, College of Nursing, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea. Karen H. K. Yeary, PhD Associate Professor, College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock.
A tailored dietary intervention using MyFitnessPal improved sodium intake, heart failure (HF) symptoms, and quality of life. This feasible approach shows promise for managing HF patients with high sodium diets.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nutrition Science
- Health Psychology
Background:
- High dietary sodium intake is prevalent in heart failure (HF) patients.
- Excess sodium is linked to worsening HF symptoms, reduced quality of life (HRQOL), and increased hospitalizations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a tailored dietary intervention using MyFitnessPal.
- To gather preliminary data on the intervention's effects on sodium intake, related factors, HF symptoms, and HRQOL.
Main Methods:
- An 11-participant, 6-session intervention was conducted.
- Outcomes were compared at baseline and 3 months using paired t tests.
- MyFitnessPal was utilized as a practical tool for dietary management.
Main Results:
- High adherence to intervention sessions (98%) and MyFitnessPal use (91%) was observed.
- Significant reductions in sodium intake were achieved (P < .05).
- Improvements were noted in factors influencing sodium intake, HF symptoms, and HRQOL (P < .05).
Conclusions:
- The dietary intervention proved feasible for HF patients.
- Further research with larger, diverse populations is warranted to confirm these promising results.
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