Navigating dietary advice for multiple sclerosis

Perceptions and Utilization of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Multiple Sclerosis Care: A Pilot Survey of Multidisciplinary Providers

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are allied healthcare professionals who can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) incorporate healthy eating, but little is known about their involvement in MS care. Thus, the objective of this survey was to investigate the perceptions and utilization of RDNs in MS care among multidisciplinary MS providers in the United States and Canada.

METHODS

An online survey was disseminated via the Consortium of MS Centers email listserv and MS-specific scientific conferences. The survey queried practitioner type, RDN referrals, the perceived benefits of RDNs in MS care, and the proportion of their patients who follow 'MS diets' or have nutrition-related issues. Reasons for or against RDN referral and beneficial resources were also queried.

RESULTS

Of the 60 completed surveys, respondents were primarily neurologists (n = 27, 45.0%). Most (n = 43, 71.7%) indicated that half or more of their patients inquire about diet, but n = 32 (53.3%) indicated that very few follow an 'MS diet' and n = 47 (78.3%) indicated that very few decline disease-modifying therapies to follow an 'MS diet'. Most (n = 45, 77.6%) respondents indicated referring their patients to a RDN with lack of nutrition knowledge/general healthy eating advice (n = 34, 73.9%) and overweight/obesity (n = 31, 67.4%) as being the most common reasons for referral. RDNs were reported as being helpful or extremely helpful by n = 38 (84.4%) of respondents who reported referring to RDNs. Most (n = 46, 79.3%) indicated that their patients would benefit from having an RDN with MS-specialized training as a member of staff.

CONCLUSIONS

MS care providers support the need for RDNs with specialized training in MS care.

Nutrition Knowledge and Food Literacy Among Persons with Multiple Sclerosis-Development and Validation of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Persons with MS (pwMSs) are often confronted with contradictory dietary advice, which is not always based on sound scientific evidence. This may lead to poor MS-specific nutrition knowledge (MSNK) and food literacy (MSFL). To date, no studies have assessed MSNK and MSFL among pwMSs. Moreover, no validated tools to measure the effects of educational interventions are available. The aim of this study was to develop and validate MS-specific instruments to measure MSNK and MSFL among pwMSs.

METHODS

Based on a validated food literacy (FL) screener for the general population and prior research about the information needs of pwMSs, we developed 14 MSFL items and 11 MS-specific nutrition knowledge questions. Cognitive debriefing was conducted with 10 pwMSs and resulted in a 12-item MS food literacy questionnaire (MSFLQ) and an 11-item MS nutrition knowledge questionnaire (MSNKQ). After refinement, both questionnaires were pilot tested in an online survey to explore their comprehensibility. The MSNKQ was analyzed descriptively (mean and percentage of correctly answered questions). For MSFLQ item difficulty, the discriminatory power of the items, internal consistency and convergent/divergent validity were assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 148 pwMSs (age: 47.1 years (SD = 12.5); 102 women (69%)) completed the online survey. On average, participants answered 3.51/11 MSNK questions correctly (31.9%). The MSFLQ showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85), item difficulty was good and the discriminatory power of the items was satisfactory. Correlations between the MSFLQ and a general food literacy questionnaire was high (r = 0.626, p < 0.001), but only small with the MSNKQ (r = 0.180; p = 0.029), underlining the different constructs.

CONCLUSIONS

MSNK among pwMSs in Germany is low. The MSNKQ and MSFLQ appear to be suitable instruments to assess MSNK and MSFL and might serve as outcome measures for educational interventions.

Feasibility and assessment of self-reported dietary recalls among newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis: a quasi-experimental pilot study

Background

Individuals who are newly diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) may choose not to undergo disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) due to concerns about expenses or potential adverse effects. Thus, many individuals will opt for alternative therapies, such as dietary modifications. Among these dietary approaches, the modified Paleolithic elimination diet has shown promise for improving MS-related symptoms; however, restriction of certain food groups can lead to inadequate intake of nutrients.

Methods

Three-day self-reported 24-h dietary recalls using the Automated Self-Administered 24-h (ASA24) Dietary Assessment Tool were assessed during a 12-month quasi-experimental (i.e., non-randomized) trial among individuals who either voluntarily declined DMTs and received health behavior (HB) intervention, (n = 29) or included DMTs and opted for the standard of care (SOC; n = 15). Participants in the HB group received a multimodal intervention that included dietary modifications, a walking program, and breathing exercises. Usual intake of each micronutrient was estimated and then evaluated with the estimated average requirement (EAR)-cut point method.

Results

At 12 months, >80% of both HB and SOC groups completed 3 days of the self-reported 24-h recalls, indicating the potential feasibility of ASA24. From baseline to 12 months, the HB group had a decreased mean ratio in total grains (0.64; 95% CI 0.43-0.93; p = 0.02) and added sugars (0.52; 95% CI 0.35-0.75; p ≤ 0.001), and an increased mean ratio intake of cured meats (1.74; 95% CI 1.05-2.90; p = 0.04); whereas, the SOC group had a decreased mean ratio intake for beef, veal, pork, lamb, and game meat (0.60; 95% CI 0.40-0.90; p = 0.01). At baseline, both groups had high proportions with inadequate intake of vitamin E and calcium. The SOC group also had a high proportion with inadequate intake of vitamin D. By 12-months, the HB group exhibited severe proportions of nutrient inadequacies (>20% of the group) for vitamin D (43.5%), vitamin E (29.1%), calcium (69.9%), and copper (27.8%). The SOC group, following their own diet, had inadequacies for all the same micronutrients, except for copper, as the HB group. The SOC group also had additional inadequacies: vitamin A (21.3%), thiamin (26.3%), riboflavin (24.2%), folate (24.8%), vitamin B12 (27.8%), and zinc (28.2%).

Conclusion

Compared to the usual diet, adhering to the modified Paleolithic elimination diet, as a component of a 12-month multimodal intervention, may lead to reduced consumption of specific food groups, such as added sugars, as well as decreased risk of severe proportions of inadequacy for certain nutrients. The utilization of the ASA24 for acquiring dietary recalls from participants with MS may be feasible for future studies.

Clinical trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04009005.

Feasibility of a co-designed online nutrition education program for people with multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Diet quality is important for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but conflicting online information causes them confusion. People with MS want evidence-based MS-specific information to help them make healthy dietary changes, and we co-designed an asynchronous, online nutrition education program (Eating Well with MS) with the MS community. Our aim was to determine the feasibility of Eating Well with MS.

METHODS

We used a single-arm pre-post design. The feasibility trial was a nine-week intervention with adults with confirmed MS. Feasibility outcomes: 1) demand (recruitment); 2) practicality (completion); 3) acceptability (Intrinsic Motivation Inventory: interest/enjoyment and value/usefulness subscales); and 4) limited efficacy testing (Diet Habits Questionnaire (DHQ); Critical Nutrition Literacy Tool (CNLT); Food Literacy Behaviour Checklist (FLBC), using intention-to-treat analysis).

RESULTS

Recruitment (n = 70) exceeded the target (n = 48) within six weeks. Of the 70 enrolled, 84 % completed at least one module and 54 % completed the full program (five modules). The median interest/enjoyment rating was 5 out of 7 and median value/usefulness rating was 6 out of 7 (where 7 = 'very true'). Compared to pre-intervention, DHQ, CNLT, and FLBC scores all statistically significantly improved post-intervention.

CONCLUSION

Eating Well with MS was well received by the MS community and improved their dietary behaviours; demonstrating feasibility. Our findings support the use of co-design methods when developing resources to improve dietary behaviours.

Evaluating Experiences in a Digital Nutrition Education Program for People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex immune-mediated disease with no currently known cure. There is growing evidence to support the role of diet in reducing some of the symptoms and disease progression in MS, and we previously developed and tested the feasibility of a digital nutrition education program for people with MS.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore factors that influenced engagement in the digital nutrition education program, including features influencing capability, opportunity and motivation to change their dietary behaviours.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people who had MS, and who completed some or all of the program until data saturation was reached. Interviews were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. Themes were deductively mapped against the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour) behaviour change model.

RESULTS

Sixteen interviews were conducted with participants who completed all (n = 10) or some of the program (n = 6). Four themes emerged: (1) acquiring and validating nutrition knowledge; (2) influence of time and social support; (3) getting in early to improve health and (4) accounting for food literacy experiences.

DISCUSSION

This is the first online nutrition program with suitable behavioural supports for people with MS. It highlights the importance of disease-specific and evidence-based nutrition education to support people with MS to make dietary changes. Acquiring nutrition knowledge, coupled with practical support mechanisms, such as recipe booklets and goal setting, emerged as crucial for facilitating engagement with the program.

CONCLUSIONS

When designing education programs for people with MS and other neurological conditions, healthcare professionals and program designers should consider flexible delivery and building peer support to address the needs and challenges faced by participants.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Members of the MS Nutrition Research Program Stakeholder Reference Group, which includes people with MS and MS health professionals, provided input during the development of the nutrition education program and study design stages.

Acceptability and Feasibility of the English Version of Elevida, a Self-Guided Online Fatigue Intervention for People With Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is common in multiple sclerosis (MS); it significantly impairs quality of life, and treatment options are limited. A randomized controlled trial of Elevida, a self-guided, online German fatigue intervention, showed significant benefit. We tested an English version of Elevida with people with MS in Australia.

METHODS

Participants were volunteers with MS who self-reported at least mild fatigue (≥ 43 on the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions scale), some mobility (Expanded Disability Status Scale < 8), and no or mild cognitive difficulties (≤ 32 on the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire). Participants completed the 9-week English Elevida program, commenting on and rating its acceptability. The Chalder Fatigue Scale was completed at baseline, end-of-program, and 2 months later. We undertook qualitative (thematic analysis) and quantitative (before/after differences, tested using paired t test) analyses.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight people with MS expressed an interest in the study; 26 were eligible; 20 began the study. Fifteen participants (75%) completed the program (mean [SD]: 58.9 [10.5] years of age, 67% women, 9 with relapsing MS, 6 with progressive MS). Over 90% of completing participants rated acceptability as good or very good, and approximately 70% found the program helpful. Three themes were identified: Positive or negative comments on program features, incorrect assumptions in program content, and personal experiences and reflections. Significant improvement (P < .01) in fatigue scores from baseline to program completion was maintained 2 months after program completion.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevida was acceptable and effective for MS-related fatigue. Identified themes will guide further development of the program to satisfy users' sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Diet and multiple sclerosis - development and mixed methods feasibility testing of a comprehensive nutritional information resource (NUTRIMS)

PURPOSE

Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are often confused by contradictory dietary advice. The purpose of this research was to explore the information needs and design a comprehensive, evidence-based nutritional information resource on diet and MS (NUTRIMS).

METHODS

A mixed-methods design with three sequential phases was adopted: (1) Needs assessment and development: Two focus groups with pwMS to explore experiences, information needs and preferred support around diet. Development of a draft NUTRIMS, (2) Feasibility Step 1: Feedback on the draft NUTRIMS from stakeholders and (3) Feasibility Step 2: Online survey among pwMS to explore content quality and acceptability.

RESULTS

Two focus groups with a total of 12 pwMS showed that MS-specific evidence on food groups/ingredients, nutrients and special diets were of most interest. The draft NUTRIMS was refined through feedback from 13 stakeholders. The pre-final NUTRIMS consisted of 81 pages including scientific references on each topic, 16 illustrations and a glossary of terms. 85 pwMS participated in the online survey and reported an intensive use and high satisfaction with the information resource, which was perceived as comprehensible, highly credible and useful for making decisions on dietary change.

CONCLUSIONS

A collaborative research approach led to a well-accepted nutrition information resource.

Diet-Induced Changes in Functional Disability among People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Secondary Pooled Analysis of Two Randomized Controlled Pilot Trials

Emerging evidence links dietary interventions to favorable multiple sclerosis (MS) outcomes; however, evidence for the efficacy of dietary interventions on functional disability remains sparse. Data from two 12-week, randomized, controlled pilot trials were pooled to investigate the efficacy of a modified Paleolithic diet (Paleo) on functional disability, as assessed by the MS Functional Composite (MSFC), among people diagnosed with MS. Pooled baseline-referenced MSFC scores were calculated from the nine-hole peg test (NHPT), timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) Z-scores. There was no significant difference in the mean change in MSFC scores between groups (p = 0.07). In the Paleo group, a significant increase was observed in the MSFC scores (p = 0.03), NHPT (p < 0.001), and PASAT (p = 0.04) Z-scores at 12 weeks, indicating reduced functional disability compared to baseline values. No significant changes were observed within the Control group. Study-specific differences in the MSFC changes between groups were observed. Functional disability was reduced compared to the baseline in the Paleo group, possibly depending on MS type. These results provide preliminary observations on the efficacy of a modified Paleolithic diet for reducing or maintaining functional disability in MS.

Web scraping of user-simulated online nutrition information for people with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

People diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) often seek to modify their diet guided by online advice, however this advice may not align with national dietary guidelines. The aim of this study was to simulate an online search for dietary advice conducted by a person with MS and evaluate the content. It was hypothesised that a variety of eating patterns are promoted for MS online and these dietary approaches can be contradictory.

METHODS

An online search was simulated using Google Trends-informed search terms and Google and Bing search engines. URLs were extracted using R. Nutrition data were extracted including recommendations for diets, foods, supplements, and health professional consultation. Statistical analyses were conducted using R.

RESULTS

73 URLs from 49 websites were extracted, with only 14 results common to both search engines. Dietary recommendations included overall eating patterns (58 webpages, 79%), individual foods (55 webpages, 75%), and supplements (33 webpages, 45%). The most promoted eating pattern for MS was a balanced diet (33 recommendations, 48%), more likely by nonprofit organisations and health information websites (14 and 17 recommendations, 100% and 89%); lifestyle program websites were more likely to recommend restrictive diets (19 recommendations, 100%) (p<0.001). 52% pages advised consulting a health professional, most often a doctor or dietitian.

CONCLUSION

A balanced diet is the most recommended eating pattern for MS online, though advice promoting restrictive diets persists.

Healthcare professionals educational resources for multiple sclerosis-related health behaviour management: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Multidisciplinary care is needed to facilitate health behaviour management for multiple sclerosis (MS). This review mapped the educational resources developed for healthcare professionals (HCPs) targeting MS-related health behaviours.

METHODS

A scoping review, guided by the Arksey and O'Malley framework, was conducted. Peer-reviewed and grey literature databases, organisational websites, search engines and YouTube were systematically searched to collate the evidence sources. Findings were narratively synthesised, and outcomes were categorised using the Kirkpatrick model for educational interventions.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine resources (23 training programs, 13 educational materials and three toolkits) were eligible for inclusion. Physical activity (n = 25) was the predominant health behaviour element, followed by psychological well-being (n = 16) and nutrition/diet (n = 13). Only 51% of the resources were specifically designed to target health behaviours, and 31% mentioned their evidence base. More than three-quarters of resources were technology-based and supported self-directed learning. Theories informed five resources, and two included HCPs and people living with MS perspectives in their development. Six programs were evaluated with HCPs, and most outcomes corresponded to levels 1-3 of the Kirkpatrick model (i.e., satisfaction, knowledge/skills and behavioural changes).

CONCLUSION

There is a globally limited availability of evidence-based educational resources for HCPs addressing MS-related health behaviours. Recommendations for HCP education and resource development are outlined herein.

Towards new perspectives: A scoping review and meta-synthesis to redefine brain health for multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Research promoting the health of the brain has increased exponentially over the last decade. The importance of 'brain health' for multiple sclerosis (MS), as one example, is a high priority. However, as research into the concept increases, so does varied use of the term.

METHODS

A scoping review, guided by the methodological framework of the Joanna Briggs Institute, was conducted to collate the evidence relating to brain health for MS. A comprehensive literature search incorporated six search strategies to retrieve both scientific and grey literature sources. All evidence sources were qualitatively charted and synthesized (meta-synthesis) according to their definition of brain health used, outcome measures and brain-healthy lifestyle elements.

RESULTS

Seventy evidence sources (34 peer reviewed, 36 grey literature) were eligible for inclusion. Of these, just over half (n = 40, 57%) provided a definition of brain health. The most common definition alluded to the biomedical model of neurological reserve (n = 22, 55%), a self-remodelling theory described to retain optimal brain function. Twenty-nine outcome measures of brain health were identified, the most frequent being magnetic resonance imaging metrics (n = 25, 83%). Physical activity was the most prevalent brain-healthy lifestyle element (n = 44), followed by avoidance of smoking (n = 26) and diet (n = 24).

CONCLUSIONS

Brain health should be considered a primary target for optimal disease and lifestyle management across the MS disease course. A working definition reflecting a shift from a medical lens towards broader biopsychosocial contexts that may influence brain health for people living with MS is proposed.

Dietary Modification Combined with Nutrition Education and Counseling for Metabolic Comorbidities in Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for Clinical Practice and Research

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Metabolic comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are common to multiple sclerosis (MS) and are associated with negative outcomes of the disease. Dietary intervention has the potential to improve MS co-morbidities; thus, it is a high priority for people living with MS to self-manage their disease. The present review aimed to summarize the recent evidence on the impacts of combining dietary modification with nutrition education and counseling on managing metabolic comorbidity markers in MS.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence suggests important roles for tailored dietary change strategies and nutrition education and counseling in managing metabolic comorbidities for MS. There is also indirect evidence suggesting a relationship between dietary fiber, the gut microbiome, and improved metabolic markers in MS, highlighting the need for more research in this area. For people living with MS, addressing both barriers and facilitators to dietary changes through behavior change techniques can help them achieve sustainable and tailored dietary behavior changes. This will support person-centered care, ultimately improving metabolic comorbidity outcomes. Metabolic comorbidities in MS are considered modifiable diseases that can be prevented and managed by changes in dietary behavior. However, the impact of targeted dietary interventions on mitigating MS-related metabolic comorbidities remains inadequately explored. Therefore, this review has provided insights into recommendations to inform future best practices in MS. Further well-designed studies based on tailored dietary strategies applying behavior change theories are needed to address the underlying determinants of dietary practice in this population.

A collaborative approach to designing an online nutrition education program for people with multiple sclerosis

PURPOSE

People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) want disease-specific dietary advice to reduce the confusion around diet. This study used co-design principles to develop an online nutrition education program for pwMS.

METHODS

Mixed-methods (multiphase sequential design). Phase 1: online survey (n = 114 pwMS) to explore preferred content and characteristics of a nutrition program and develop a draft program. Phase 2: feedback on the draft program from stakeholders (two meetings; n = 10 pwMS and multiple sclerosis (MS) health professionals) and pwMS (two workshops; n = 6) to produce a full program prototype. Phase 3: cognitive interviews (n = 8 pwMS plus 1 spouse) to explore acceptability and ease of comprehension of one module of the program, analysed using deductive content analysis.

RESULTS

Preferred topics were included in the program, which were further developed with consumer feedback. Cognitive interviews produced four themes: (1) positive and targeted messaging to motivate behaviour change; (2) "not enough evidence" is not good enough; (3) expert advice builds in credibility; and (4) engaging and appropriate online design elements are crucial.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive language appears to improve motivation to make healthy dietary changes and engagement with evidence-based nutrition resources. To ensure acceptability, health professionals can use co-design to engage consumers when developing resources for pwMS.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONCo-designed nutrition education programs can help people achieve high-quality diets in line with recommendations, but very few programs exist for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and none were co-designedThe participatory research in this study was instrumental in ensuring that important information regarding program acceptability was identifiedCo-design can ensure that the language is appropriate for the target audience, and positive language appeared to improve motivation in people with MS to engage with the online nutrition education programWhere practical and feasible, health professionals should collaborate with MS consumers when developing resources, and use positive, empowering language.

Exploring factors to interpretation of targeted nutrition messages for people living with multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

Current dietary recommendations for MS suggest following national dietary guidelines developed for the general population. The aim of this study was to explore the interpretation of MS-targeted nutrition messages.

METHODS

Using the Elaboration Likelihood Model of persuasion, three nutrition messages were developed targeting the strongest evidence for MS: vitamin D, dietary fat, and dietary diversity. Semi-structured interviews including the cognitive 'thinking-aloud' technique were used to test the messages with adults living with MS. Data were transcribed and coded thematically.

RESULTS

Theoretical saturation was reached by 15 interviews. The data corpus indicated three themes and seven subthemes. The data revealed that people living with MS changed their diet after MS diagnosis. Dietary change was due to uncertainty, fear of disease progression and risk of relapse. The admiration and scepticism of extremist MS diets depended on personal vulnerability and support from health care professionals. The unique MS journey appeared influential to message interpretation; driven by engagement, practicality, and credibility.

CONCLUSION

The interpretation of targeted nutrition messages revealed that dietary changes made after diagnosis are a coping mechanism to improve sense of control and self-management.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The potential psychological benefit of dietary change for MS management must be prioritised using person-centred care.

Overview of diet and autoimmune demyelinating optic neuritis: a narrative review

This review summarizes the cellular and molecular underpinnings of autoimmune demyelinating optic neuritis (ADON), a common sequela of multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. We further present nutritional interventions tested for people with multiple sclerosis focusing on strategies that have shown efficacy or associations with disease course and clinical outcomes. We then close by discuss the potential dietary guidance for preventing and/or ameliorating ADON.

The barriers and facilitators to health-promoting lifestyle behaviors among people with multiple sclerosis during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a content analysis study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Health-promoting lifestyle behaviors (HPLBs) have a significant impact on disease management among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected lifestyle of all individuals, particularly patients with chronic diseases. The present study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to HPLBs among people with MS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This qualitative study was conducted in Iran. Participants were sixteen people with MS purposively selected from the central MS clinic of a referral specialty neuroscience hospital in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected via in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews and concurrently analyzed through conventional content analysis.

FINDINGS

The mean of participants' age was 37.93 years and most participants were female (81.25%). The major barriers to HPLBs were lack of knowledge, limited access to resources, and poor health status, while the major facilitators were attention to inner abilities and social support.

CONCLUSION

Many different factors such as lack of knowledge, limited access to resources, poor health status, awareness, and social support can influence engagement in HPLBs among people with MS. Healthcare authorities and policymakers need to use quality educational and supportive interventions to improve knowledge, health literacy, perceived support, self-efficacy, and self-care ability among people with MS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Desired Resources for Changing Diet Among Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: Qualitative Inquiry Informing Future Dietary Interventions

BACKGROUND

There are approximately 1 million adults in the United States with multiple sclerosis (MS). Persons with MS are interested in diet as a second-line therapy for improving MS symptoms and disease progression. Examination of desired resources regarding diet among persons with MS is necessary for supporting behavior change.

METHODS

Twenty-five adults with MS completed 1-on-1, online semistructured interviews. An inductive, 6-phase, semantic thematic analysis was applied to identify themes associated with participant preferences for dietary behavior change.

RESULTS

The research team crafted 4 key themes from the data that encompassed participants' desired resources for dietary behavior change. Theme 1, MS-specific evidence, involved the need for clear information about the impact of diet regimens or specific foods on MS. Theme 2, dietary guidelines, was related to guidelines provided by a reliable source such as a registered dietitian. Theme 3, behavioral supports, underscored the need for support for behavior change, including accountability, self-monitoring, motivation, habituation, and incremental changes. Theme 4, diet resources, highlighted tangible resources for supporting dietary change, including recipes, food lists, meal services, or games.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a foundation for guiding dietary interventions for persons with MS that incorporates their needs and preferences and could improve their overall health. Such dietary change can be facilitated by theory-based behavioral interventions that incorporate behavior change techniques such as self-monitoring and goal setting for supporting behavior change.

Navigating dietary advice for multiple sclerosis

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.