228506 Nutrition Intervention for Community-dwelling Adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: MENU-AIDDs

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Kathleen Humphries, PhD , Rural Institute on DIsabilities, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT
Meg Ann Traci, PhD , Rural Institute, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT
Alison C. Pepper, MA , Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
Tom Seekins, PhD , Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT
MENU-AIDDs (Materials Supporting Education and Nutrition for Adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities) was developed via PAR research techniques to improve the nutrition and food systems in community-based group homes for adults with IDD. To date, MENU-AIDDs training and materials have been disseminated to over 100 group homes in Montana, serving over 600 consumers. This presentation will describe the MENU-AIDDs nutrition intervention for adults with IDD and report on the results of the Montana dissemination of MENU-AIDDs. Significant improvements were shown in outcomes including measures of dietary intake, residents' body weights, and their gastrointestinal health. Process evaluation results will also be shown, including group homes' fidelity to the program and its acceptance by consumers, direct care staff, and home administrators. The value of MENU-AIDDs is demonstrated as an acceptable, accessible, effective health promotion program to improve nutrition and nutrition-related secondary conditions in community-dwelling adults with IDD.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Differentiate the value of environmental versus individual approaches to nutrition intervention in this population. Identify multiple levels of impact of this intervention.

Keywords: Disability, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the lead investigator on this project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.