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Kathleen Humphries, PhD, Meg Ann Traci, PhD, and Tom Seekins, PhD. The University of Montana Rural Institute, 52 Corbin Hall, Missoula, MT 59812, 406-243-2515, khumphries@ruralinstitute.umt.edu
Our previous health promotion research showed the need for appropriately developed nutrition materials (e.g., grocery shopping system, menu and meal planning materials, and practical nutrition training) to support adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and direct service staff in supported living arrangements. Support materials were developed using Participatory Action Research. The goal of the current project was to test whether the developed nutrition support materials’ improved consumers’ dietary quality, food intake, and ultimately reduced preventable nutrition-related secondary conditions. Other important outcomes to implementing the new food systems procedures were improve staff efficiency and satisfaction in food-related activities; increase consumer participation and satisfaction in food-related activities; and keep food budget stable while increasing dietary quality. This study was conducted in six group homes (N=40 consumers and N = 24 staff) representing three private service corporations that volunteered to participate. Pre- and post-intervention measures included: 1) Food intake and dietary quality were measured using Food on Film© methodology; 2) Foods offered in the homes were evaluated using food frequency questionnaires; and 3) Food systems procedures and staff and consumer satisfaction were assessed during staff interviews and with brief questionnaires. The first author facilitated pre-intervention data collection then introduced the materials during in-person staff and consumer training sessions. The intervention phase included weekly phone calls to monitor materials usage. Post-intervention measures were taken 2- and 4-months following introductions of the materials. The nutrition support materials will be made available through the Montana Disability and Health Program website.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Disability, Nutrition
Related Web page: mtdh.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.