Harleen Ghuttora, MD MBT: No financial relationships to disclose
Abstract:
Background: An estimated 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men experience a fragility fracture after age 50 due to osteoporosis. Diet is an important mediator of bone health but individuals with or at risk of osteoporosis do not always meet recommendations regarding intake of specific nutrients (protein, calcium, vitamin D) and whole foods. Culinary Medicine aims to improve dietary quality through the delivery of practical, evidence-based information and skill development and may improve nutritional knowledge acquisition and application for individuals with or at risk of osteoporosis.
Objective: We aimed to identify barriers and facilitating factors to adopting a bone-healthy diet among adults with or at risk of osteoporosis, and to assess interest in attending a bone-focused Culinary Medicine program.
Methods: From Oct 2021-Feb 2022, we recruited adults aged ≥45 years referred to our specialty osteoporosis clinic to complete an electronic survey and participate in virtual focus groups exploring barriers and facilitators to following dietary recommendations for bone health. Interest in a practical, bone-health focused Culinary Medicine program was also assessed. Survey data was summarized using descriptive statistics and participant responses from the focus groups were grouped thematically and coded for frequency.
Results: Among survey respondents (n=26, 22 female, age range 56-85 years), the most frequently reported barrier to adopting a bone-healthy diet was lack of time and convenience (reported by 11 [42%]). Principal barriers highlighted by focus group participants (n=24) were: 1) living alone and cooking for one, 2) low motivation to prepare meals, and 3) dietary restrictions due to comorbidities. Principal facilitators identified in the focus groups were: 1) preparing meals in advance, 2) online grocery shopping, and 3) exercise. Focus group participants expressed enthusiasm about a Culinary Medicine program for bone health. Conclusions and Implications: Adults with or at risk of osteoporosis and fragility fracture face multiple barriers to adhering to dietary recommendations. Bone-focused Culinary Medicine programming may help to address these barriers and is likely to be well-accepted.
