Navigating dietary advice for multiple sclerosis

Bibliographic Data

ID19508402
AuthorsR D Russell (0000-0002-3554-648X, School of Population Health Curtin University Perth WA Australia), Lucinda J Black (0000-0003-4727-4773, School of Population Health Curtin University Perth WA Australia), Andrea Begley (0000-0002-5448-8932, School of Population Health Curtin University Perth WA Australia, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume24
Issue3
Pages853-862
Publication date2021-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hex.13226
PMID33838061
OpenAlexW3139656027
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited36

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

Focus group · Multiple sclerosis · Qualitative research · Spouse · Thematic analysis · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Medicine · Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies · Nursing · Peripheral Neuropathies and Disorders · Psychology · Gerontology

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