 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Kathleen Humphries, PhD, Meg Traci, PhD, and Tom Seekins, Phd. Rural Institute on Disabilities, University of Montana, 52 Corbin, Missoula, MT 59812, 406-243-2460, drkathy@selway.umt.edu
Most adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairments/ developmental disabilities live in homes of six or fewer residents within the larger community (Prouty and Lakin, 2001). Nutrition-related problems, including bowel and gastrointestinal dysfunction, diabetes, weight problems (over- and under-weight), and osteoporosis, are rated among the most prevalent and limiting secondary health conditions in adults with developmental disabilities living in community (versus institutional) settings (Humphries, et al, 2002). Measuring food intake accurately is a challenge in this population. Recall methods are most commonly used but they require adequate memory capacity to relate WHAT was eaten and WHEN and HOW MUCH. The use of proxy reporters is not possible given the independent lives that these individuals enjoy. Still, accurate reports of food intake are critical to characterizing diets and to evaluating interventions designed to improve health and fitness or reduce secondary conditions. This paper presents data showing that the 24-hour recall is not valid for use with individuals with even mild cognitive impairments. An innovative method for testing food intake in this population, using visual food records that are created by the subject, is described and its validity and potential for use discussed.
Humphries K, Traci MA, Seekins T, Brusin J. Nutrition and disability. Rural disability and rehabilitation research progress report #14. Missoula: University of Montana Rural Institute; 2002.
Prouty RW, Lakin KC, eds. Residential services for persons with developmental disabilities: Status and trends through 2001. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, Research and Training Center on Community Living, Institute on Community Integration; 2000.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Community-Based Health Promotion, Access
Related Web page: ruralinstitute.umt.edu/trcrural/health/DDisHPro.htm
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.