(P22-036-23) Protocol: Effects of a 21-Day Educational Program on Understanding of and Adoption of Plant Based Eating in an Underserved Urban Population of Patients with Kidney Disease

Objectives: Plant based eating (PBE) may be beneficial in patients with kidney disease, however social determinants in our local population have made adoption difficult. This project is designed to overcome gaps in knowledge regarding PBE well as improve dietary patterns using a short-term educational program that has been tested in other settings.

Methods: Using a program called 21-day Jumpstart, 50 stable pts from the kidney transplant clinic will be given a baseline knowledge and attitudes questionnaire & have their body composition measured at an orientation session that establishes basic understanding of PBE's importance in kidney disease, the spectrum of whole to processed foods, basic meal preparation skills, grocery shopping, produce selection, label reading, setting up the kitchen and pantry and practical goal-setting. Participants will be served a plant-based meal, receive an informational booklet and take home a kit of culturally-appropriate pantry supplies. 

7 days later they begin eating predominantly whole plant foods. Return visits are scheduled in the middle and end of the 21 days for further education regarding nutrition, mindful eating, culinary demonstrations, and group mentorship. Boxes of fresh produce are distributed twice during the program. At the end of the 21 days, all outcome variables are measured (see below). 

Results: Outcome variables: pre and post program knowledge and program feedback, changes in dietary pattern immediately post-project and in two-month follow-up using 24 hour recall and ASA-24 analysis, weight, BMI, HbA1c if appropriate, blood pressure, potassium, phosphorous, hemoglobin and creatinine values, body composition including visceral and subcutaneous adiposity and skeletal muscle mass, using an S10 body composition analyzer.

Conclusions: 1. Feasibility and acceptability of a 21 day educational program in PBE in a population of indigent, underserved people with kidney disease. Anticipated outcomes include positive changes in dietary patterns, improvement in nutrition literacy and knowledge regarding PBE.

2. Secondary outcomes include effects on BMI, blood pressure, and body composition. Anticipated outcomes include improvement in all parameters.

3. Tertiary outcomes include creation of teaching materials and a program guide that can be instituted in other areas where health inequities are prevalent.

Funding Sources: N/A