(ABSTRACT) Development of Nutrition Curriculum for Adults with I/DD in a Mentoring Program

Lauren San Diego, Greg Long, Heather Colleran, Elizabeth Hopfer, Meeshay Williams-Wheeler, Valerie McMillan, Devona Dixon

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Adults with Intellectually/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) face a variety of physical, social, and medical challenges that can be compounded by poor nutrition. The characteristics inherent to this population create unique obstacles in addressing their nutrition needs.Relevance: Adults with I/DD have reported a higher prevalence of obesity and inactivity than the general population. Therefore, the purpose was to develop a three-part collaborative nutrition education series with The Arc of Greensboro focusing on key knowledge and skills aimed at improving the self-efficacy of the Greensboro I/DD adult community.Priority: Education, advocacy and prevention within curriculum development has not taken into consideration specially-abled adults.Originality: The creation of the nutrition curriculum is part of a larger research study to improve the quality of life for this population through workshops and mentorship from North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University Family Consumer Sciences (FCS) students.Synthesis: Interviews were conducted using open-ended questions with The Arc program coordinators to identify areas of need/interest for nutrition education. Nutritional themes that emerged were used to create a three-part nutrition education series focusing on MyPlate, grocery shopping and food safety. FCS student mentors under the supervision of a registered dietitian presented the nutrition series. FCS mentors were assessed for nutrition knowledge pre- and post- program implementation (mean 65%, range 49%-70% to mean 74%, range 43%-84%). Additionally, post-program interviews and surveys completed by the adults with I/DD mentees, mentors and The Arc program coordinators indicated high satisfaction with nutrition lessons and provided evidence of beneficial nutrition knowledge application in participants' everyday lives
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnknown book
PagesA119
Volume119
Edition10
StatePublished - 2019

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