Desired Resources for Changing Diet Among Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: Qualitative Inquiry Informing Future Dietary Interventions

Background: There are approximately one million adults in the United States currently living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Persons with MS are interested in diet as a second-line therapy for improving MS symptoms and disease progression. The examination of desired resources regarding diet among persons with MS is necessary for supporting behavior change.
Methods: Twenty-five adults with MS were recruited to complete one-on-one, online semi-structured interviews. An inductive, six-phase semantic thematic analysis was applied for identifying themes associated with participant preferences for diet behavior change.
Results: The research team crafted four key themes from the data that encompassed participants desired resources for diet behavior change. Theme 1 MS-specific Evidence encompassed the need for clear information on the impact of diet regimens or specific foods on MS. Theme 2 Dietary Guidelines was related to guidelines provided by a reliable source such as a Registered Dietician. Theme 3 Behavioral Supports underscored the need for support for behavior change that may include accountability, self-monitoring, motivation, habituation, incremental changes. Theme 4 Diet Resources highlighted tangible resources for supporting dietary change that may include recipes, food lists, meal services, or games.
Conclusions: The current study provides a foundation for guiding dietary interventions for MS that incorporates their needs and preferences and could improve overall health among persons living with MS. Such diet change may be facilitated by theory-based behavioral interventions that incorporate behavior change techniques such as self-monitoring and goal setting for supporting behavior change.