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Evaluating Experiences in a Digital Nutrition Education Program for People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative
R D Russell1, J He1, L J Black1,2
1Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
Summary
Dietary changes can help manage multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. This study found that acquiring nutrition knowledge and practical support are key to engaging people with MS in digital education programs.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Neurology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex immune-mediated neurological disease.
- Diet plays a role in managing MS symptoms and progression.
- A digital nutrition education program was previously developed for individuals with MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore factors influencing engagement with a digital nutrition education program for people with MS.
- To identify features that impact capability, opportunity, and motivation for dietary behavior change in MS.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews with 16 participants with MS who engaged with the program.
- Inductive thematic analysis of interview data.
- Deductive mapping of themes against the COM-B behavior change model.
Main Results:
- Four key themes emerged: acquiring/validating nutrition knowledge, influence of time/social support, early intervention for health, and accounting for food literacy.
- Participants valued disease-specific, evidence-based nutrition education.
- Practical support like recipes and goal-setting were crucial for engagement.
Conclusions:
- This is the first online nutrition program with behavioral supports for MS.
- Flexible delivery and peer support are important for designing effective nutrition programs for individuals with MS and other neurological conditions.
