Start Date
19-6-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
19-6-2025 10:30 AM
Abstract
Introduction: Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) often have poor diet quality(1). Factors influencing their nutritional habits include psychotropic medications(2–5), low motivation and cognitive impairment(6), food insecurity(7,8), body weight management(8), challenges in meal planning, and limited autonomy over food choices in controlled environments(10).Digital technology in health interventions is a growing area of research, showing potential for behaviour change in this population(11). However, few specifically target improvements in nutrition behaviours(11).
Understanding nutritional behaviours and the potential use of technology in their contextual settings is crucial for developing impactful and effective interventions(12). This study investigates nutritional behaviours, alongside the barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and technology use, among individuals with SMI residing in high support hostels in Ireland. It represents the first phase of a multi-stage approach to develop a digital nutrition intervention tailored for this population.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used involving two participant groups: (i) staff (n = 19) and (ii) service users (n= 33) in four high support hostels in Ireland. Staff completed a 6-item questionnaire (Likert scale 1–5) based on the COM-B model, assessing capabilities, opportunities, and motivations related to service users’ nutrition behaviours and technology use. Service users’ nutritional behaviours were observed during mealtimes (breakfast, lunch, dinner) over one day. Data collected included food provided, meal timing, fluid intake, eating behaviors, preparation practices, and access to and use of digital technology.
Result and Conclusion: Data analysis is ongoing, and findings will be available for presentation at this conference.
Recommended Citation
O'Sullivan, Ciara M.; Merrotsy, Alison; Dhanapala, Indika; and Coppinger, Tara, "A behaviour analysis of adult nutrition behaviours and technology use of individuals living with severe mental illness in high support hostels in Ireland." (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 4.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day4/4
A behaviour analysis of adult nutrition behaviours and technology use of individuals living with severe mental illness in high support hostels in Ireland.
Introduction: Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) often have poor diet quality(1). Factors influencing their nutritional habits include psychotropic medications(2–5), low motivation and cognitive impairment(6), food insecurity(7,8), body weight management(8), challenges in meal planning, and limited autonomy over food choices in controlled environments(10).Digital technology in health interventions is a growing area of research, showing potential for behaviour change in this population(11). However, few specifically target improvements in nutrition behaviours(11).
Understanding nutritional behaviours and the potential use of technology in their contextual settings is crucial for developing impactful and effective interventions(12). This study investigates nutritional behaviours, alongside the barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and technology use, among individuals with SMI residing in high support hostels in Ireland. It represents the first phase of a multi-stage approach to develop a digital nutrition intervention tailored for this population.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used involving two participant groups: (i) staff (n = 19) and (ii) service users (n= 33) in four high support hostels in Ireland. Staff completed a 6-item questionnaire (Likert scale 1–5) based on the COM-B model, assessing capabilities, opportunities, and motivations related to service users’ nutrition behaviours and technology use. Service users’ nutritional behaviours were observed during mealtimes (breakfast, lunch, dinner) over one day. Data collected included food provided, meal timing, fluid intake, eating behaviors, preparation practices, and access to and use of digital technology.
Result and Conclusion: Data analysis is ongoing, and findings will be available for presentation at this conference.