Affiliation:
1. Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences Rutgers School of Health Professions Newark New Jersey USA
2. Department of Diagnostic Sciences Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Newark New Jersey USA
3. Department of Interdisciplinary Studies Rutgers School of Health Professions Newark New Jersey USA
4. Department of Restorative Dentistry Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Newark New Jersey USA
5. Rutgers School of Nursing Newark New Jersey USA
Abstract
BackgroundTooth loss is associated with suboptimal nutrient intake and greater risk of malnutrition.ObjectiveTo develop and field‐test a stakeholder‐informed diet education tool that addresses the unique needs of older adults with tooth loss who do not wear dentures.MethodsAn iterative user‐centered approach was used. Initial content was developed based on findings from previous research. Stakeholder panels of older adults with 20 or fewer teeth, and dentists, were conducted at two time points to obtain feedback on the tool, which was revised following each panel. The tool was field‐tested in a dental school clinic and evaluated using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool; it was further revised based on feedback.ResultsA diet education tool entitled “Eating Healthier With Tooth Loss” was developed. Sections for fruits and vegetables, grains, and proteins food groups, and one addressing socioemotional aspects of eating with missing teeth were included. Panel members provided constructive, positive feedback; recommendations for editing text, images, design, and content were integrated. Field‐testing in the dental clinic with 27 pairs of student dentists and their patients resulted in scores of 95.7% for understandability and 96.6% for actionability, with over 85% agreement with each item. The tool was revised based on field‐testing feedback.ConclusionA diet education tool for older adults with tooth loss was developed using a user‐centered approach, integrating the ‘patient voice’ and patient experiences with US dietary guidelines. Use of this tool is feasible in a dental clinic setting. Future research should explore usage in larger settings.
Funder
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation
Subject
Geriatrics and Gerontology,General Dentistry
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