Patient, carer and healthcare professional perspectives on increasing calorie intake in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Research suggests that higher Body Mass Index is associated with improved survival in people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (pwALS). Yet, understanding of the barriers and enablers to increasing calorie intake is limited. This study sought to explore these issues from the perspective of pwALS, informal carers, and healthcare professionals.

Methods

Interviews with 18 pwALS and 16 informal carers, and focus groups with 51 healthcare professionals. Data were analysed using template analysis and mapped to the COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Results

All three COM-B components (Capability, Opportunity and Motivation) are important to achieving high calorie diets in pwALS. Eleven TDF domains were identified: Physical skills (ALS symptoms);

SUBMITTER: Coates E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9999280 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature