In a study published last month in The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, researchers from the Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System and the South Florida Spinal Cord Injury Model System surveyed veterans and civilians living with spinal cord injuries about their nutrition knowledge. Only 24% to 44% of participants correctly identified the recommended daily amount for each food group. Fewer than 44% also believed the Dietary Guidelines for Americans were appropriate for people with SCI.
Building on these findings, researchers at the Veterans Health Administration in Chicago developed the first validated nutrition knowledge questionnaire specifically for people with SCI. Published in Spinal Cord, the study introduces a first-of-its-kind tool that will help researchers and clinicians assess nutrition knowledge, identify areas where additional education is needed, and evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition education programs.
People with SCI are at increased risk for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pressure injuries, and other secondary health complications. Because nutrition plays an important role in reducing these risks, improving nutrition knowledge has the potential to promote health outcomes and quality of life.
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