What are the views and attitudes of hospital-based clinical rheumatology healthcare professionals in the UK, towards the role of nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis? A cross-sectional survey.
By Roveena Gata-Aura - Nutrition Science and Practice
Abstract
Background
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, affects the physical and mental health and well-being of individuals of all ages. Despite modern allopathic interventions, individuals often fail to reach remission and experience continued impaired health. Accumulating evidence supports the beneficial role that diet can play in helping to reduce RA disease progression and symptoms. However, evidence suggests that nutrition is not routinely discussed during rheumatology consultations.
Aim
The study’s aim was to determine the views and attitudes, in a cross-sectional group of UK hospital-based clinical rheumatology healthcare professionals (HCPs), towards the role of nutrition in RA.
Methodology
Rheumatology HCPs were invited to take part in a short, anonymous, online survey, comprising open and closed questions. Qualitative responses were manually classified into data categories and themes were identified and recommendations made.
Findings
Six participants fully completed the survey. Five HCPs described certain diet types or specific foods that could help support RA symptoms but three HCPs were unable to describe recent research regarding nutrition and RA. Empirical proof to underpin dietary information was considered important. HCPs had not received nutrition training pertaining to its role in RA. When asked for diet and nutritional advice, HCPs often made referrals to dieticians, general practitioners or directed patients to specialist RA charities for advice. Data analysis revealed that the majority (83%) of HCPs felt there was a role for nutrition in RA.RA HCPs also expressed the need for, and importance of, nutrition training, to better support individuals with RA and to address misconceptions and misinformation.
Conclusion
The small-scale study represents the views and attitudes of a small number of HCPs about the role of nutrition in RA. It would be inappropriate to generalise the findings due to the small sample size. Therefore, further research targeting a larger sample is recommended.
