A HEALTH EDUCATION EVENT & FOLLOW-UP FEASIBILITY STUDY EXPLORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PLANT-PURE DIET IN FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Abstract

Obesity affects people with Down Syndrome at nearly twice the rate of the general population, with dietary behaviors being significant contributors. We thus sought to qualitatively assess the feasibility of implementing a plant-pure diet in families of children with Down Syndrome. This diet is correlated with healthy weight loss and decreased incidence of chronic conditions linked to obesity (Campbell, Parpia, & Chen, 1998). Following a health education event, the CDC’s Health Related Quality of Life Core Module (HRQOL-4) and a cookbook usage survey gauged dietary implementation and participants’ reactions over a 4-week follow-up period. The health education event, attended by 12 people including independent people with Down Syndrome, parents, and children, was successful. Following plant pure meals, a documentary, and a healthy eating discussion, attendees formulated ideas for dietary implementation and explicitly stated changes in perspective. Eight families (66% of attendees) consented to the follow-up study but compliance with protocol was poor. The event’s community setting, a speaker with Down Syndrome sharing his dietary successes, and addressing concerns via discussions appeared to contribute to the attendees’ favorable opinion. Further research is still needed to determine the feasibility of implementing this diet in families of children with Down Syndrome.