The effect of medical nutrition therapy on changes in dietary knowledge and DASH diet adherence in older adults with cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of MNT on dietary knowledge of older adults at baseline, 6 months and 12 months and to assess the effect of dietary knowledge on change in DASH diet adherence from baseline to 12 months.

Design: Data for the analysis come from a controlled, randomized prospective design conducted from 2003-2005 with the outcome measures taken pre-, mid-, and post-intervention.

Setting: Data were collected from participants in their homes in an urban community in North Carolina.

Participants: Participants (N=147) were adults aged 60+ with a diagnosis of hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia.

Intervention: Intervention recipients received three sessions of MNT throughout the 1 year study period. The control group received nutrition information at enrollment.

Measurements: Participants completed a dietary knowledge questionnaire and a 24 dietary recall at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Instrumental variables models with participant fixed effects were used to determine the impact of MNT on dietary knowledge and dietary knowledge on DASH diet adherence.

Results: Among those who received MNT, dietary knowledge increased from baseline to twelve months (p<.01). Changes in dietary knowledge were not associated with changes in DASH adherence from baseline to 12 months (p=0.44).

Conclusions: The MNT administered was effective at improving dietary knowledge, but not at improving DASH adherence. Three MNT sessions may be insufficient to change behavior. Integrating behavioral change theory and cultural sensitivity to MNT may improve diet adherence among diverse older adults.