12 research outputs found
Dietary Interventions in Multiple Sclerosis: Development and Pilot-Testing of an Evidence Based Patient Education Program
<div><p>Background</p><p>Dietary factors have been discussed to influence risk or disease course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Specific diets are widely used among patients with MS.</p><p>Objective</p><p>To design and pilot-test an evidence based patient education program on dietary factors in MS.</p><p>Methods</p><p>We performed a systematic literature search on the effectiveness of dietary interventions in MS. A web-based survey among 337 patients with MS and 136 healthy controls assessed knowledge, dietary habits and information needs. An interactive group education program was developed and pilot-tested.</p><p>Results</p><p>Fifteen randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review. Quality of evidence was low and no clear benefit could be seen. Patients with MS significantly more often adhered to a `Mediterranean Diet`(29.7% versus 14.0%, p<0.001) compared to controls. 143 (42%) of the patients with MS had tried special MS diets. Important information needs addressed effectiveness of MS diets (44%) and relation between nutrition and MS (43%). A pilot test of our newly developed patient education program with 13 participants showed excellent comprehensibility and the MS-specific content was judged as very important. However, the poor evidence base for dietary approaches in MS was perceived disappointing.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Development and pilot-testing of an evidence-based patient education program on nutrition and MS is feasible. Patient satisfaction with the program suffers from the lack of evidence. Further research should focus on generating evidence for the potential influence of lifestyle habits (diet, physical activity) on MS disease course thus meeting the needs of patients with MS.</p></div
Pilot evaluation of the program by 11 PwMS; Median and Range (0–10) are displayed.
<p>Pilot evaluation of the program by 11 PwMS; Median and Range (0–10) are displayed.</p
Sociodemographic data of PwMS and controls.
<p>Sociodemographic data of PwMS and controls.</p
Eligibility criteria used for literature search and screening.
<p>Eligibility criteria used for literature search and screening.</p
Flow chart of screening process according to PRISMA.
<p>[<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0165246#pone.0165246.ref023" target="_blank">23</a>]</p
Categories of types of diets pre-specified in the survey.
<p>Categories of types of diets pre-specified in the survey.</p
Type of diet among PwMS and controls in % (n = 473).
<p>* = significant difference (p<0.001) PwMS = Patients with MS.</p
Influence of different factors on disease course in the perception of PwMS.
<p>Patients could attribute 0 to 100 points to the different factors, 0 meaning no influence, 100 meaning maximum influence. n = 337 DMD = Disease Modifying Drugs.</p
Importance of different topics in a patient education program.
<p>Percentage of PwMS assigning rank 1 or 2 to the topic (n = 113).</p
Characteristics of included studies–trials modifying fatty acid intake by supplementation.
<p>Characteristics of included studies–trials modifying fatty acid intake by supplementation.</p