The Effects of Mukbang Watching on Enteral Feeding Intolerance Among Critically Ill Patients: Study Protocol for a...

With an estimated prevalence of 38%, enteral feeding intolerance (EFI) is common in critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition (EN), and is associated with higher mortality and longer duration of mechanical ventilation. Various methods have been reported to decrease the incidence of EFI during EN, such as post-pyloric feeding, continuous EN delivery, abdominal massage, and probiotic supplementation. However, several studies reported conflicting results. Inappropriate interventions may cause gastrointestinal (GI) injury. This study aims to design a protocol based on Mukbang videos, which are widely watched online, to detect their effects on the incidence of EFI, nutritional status, incidence of infectious complications, and activities of daily living.

We will conduct a three-arm, parallel-design, randomized controlled trial that will be implemented in 273 patients from intensive care units. Participants will be randomized into one of the three intervention arms (1:1:1), which will be performed by a research assistant. Participants were allocated to three groups: (a) watching mukbang video, (b) watching a cooking show, and (c) watching a non-food content video. Prior to EN initiation, each participant will watch a ten-minute mukbang video, cookery show, or non-food content video.

Mukbang videos show food, expressions of mukbangers and eating sounds. If it effectively reduces the incidence of EFI, leads to greater nutritional status, lower incidence of infectious complications, and a higher level of independence among patients compared with watching cooking videos or non-food content videos, it has broad dissemination potential as a non-invasive, easily assessing, and using method.