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Session: Leveraging Technology Applications for Nutrition Research (Oral 7)

(OR07-07-23) Effectiveness of a Tele-Health Nutrition Counseling Program on Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, and/or Hypertension Among Uninsured Low-Income Population

Sunday, July 23, 2023
11:12 AM – 11:24 AM ET
Location:  Constitution B

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Mara Fiorio, MS RD BC-ADM CDCES

    Graduate Research Assistant
    University of North Florida
    Glen Allen, Virginia, United States

    Disclosure(s): No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • ZY

    Zhiping Yu, PhD RD LDN

    University of North Florida
    Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Disclosure(s):
Mara Fiorio, MS RD BC-ADM CDCES: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Objectives: Traditionally, dietitians provide nutrition counseling in healthcare facilities. However, new studies suggest that telehealth may provide benefits and should be an option for patients. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of providing nutritional interventions via telehealth to patients with chronic conditions.

Methods: Between Fall 2019 and Fall 2022, telehealth counseling was provided to uninsured, low-income working individuals with chronic conditions (obesity, diabetes, or hypertension) in the local area by dietetic graduate students in a Northeast Florida University. In total, 132 patients were referred to the program, among which 46 received at least one nutrition counseling session. Specifically, 26 patients received 1 to 3 sessions, 9 received 4-9 sessions, and 11 received 10 or more sessions. Weight status, A1C, and blood pressure pre- and post- values were compared using paired t-test. Five of them did not have post counseling vitals and thus were excluded from the final analysis.

Results: Overall, the telehealth counseling program showed clinical improvement in all measured outcomes. Statistically, when including all participants (n=41), after counseling, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased significantly (pre- vs. post-, SBP: 132 vs. 125 and DBP: 84 vs. 80, p< 0.05). In patients who received 1-3 nutrition session (n=23), A1C deceased significantly (pre- vs. post-, 7.9 vs. 7.0, p< 0.05).

Conclusions: The telehealth nutrition counseling program provided effective treatment to uninsured low-income patients with chronic diseases. The relatively small sample size and short session duration may underestimate the true effectiveness. Large scale studies with more counseling sessions are warranted.

Funding Sources: Florida Blue Foundation Grant