| Summary: | <p> <b>Purpose:</b> The purpose of this pilot study was two-fold: 1) to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and web-based Mediterranean Eating Pattern for Americans III (MEPA III) dietary screener and 2) to perform preliminary validation of the screener in terms of accordance to a Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDAc) among individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).</p><p> <b>Methods:</b> A convenience sample of 26 participants with PD completed a web-based FFQ and screener, both of which were assessed for feasibility and acceptability. Feasibility was defined as >74% of participants completing tools and meeting specified criteria. Acceptability was defined on the basis of responses to exit questionnaires as 80% acceptable to 70% of participants. For validation, FFQ-derived food and nutrient intakes characteristic of a Mediterranean pattern were compared between participants assessed as MDAc (with scores greater than or equal to the median screener score), and those considered non-MDAc.</p><p> <b>Results:</b> Of participants (mean age 67.8 ± 7.9, 73.1% Hoehn and Yahr stage 2) who completed the questionnaires, exactly 86% found the screener feasible. The FFQ was not considered feasible (only 73% met the criteria). The FFQ was acceptable to 19 (73%) participants and therefore considered overall acceptable (≥ 70% sample). The screener was not considered acceptable as only 17 (65%) participants rated it acceptable (<70% of the sample). Mean MEPA III score was 10.9; the median, 11. A total of 15 of 26 participants were deemed MDAc. Compared to the non-MDAc, MDAc participants consumed 1 oz more servings of fish per week (p=.05) and less trans fatty acids (0.7% less than non-MDAc, p=.02). MEPA III scores correlated with FFQ estimates of fish (r=.39, p=.05), dark leafy greens (r=.58, p=.002), vitamin C (r=.53, p=.005), and vitamin K (r=.40, p=.05), and inversely with saturated fats (r=-.41, p=.04) and trans fats (r=-.66, p<.001). Kappa statistics for individual components of the MEPA III indicated that servings of fish (<b>&kgr;</b> =.34, p=.05), alcohol (<b>&kgr;</b>=.44, p=.02), whole grains (<b>&kgr; </b>=.36, p=.02), and fast food (<b>&kgr;</b> =.48, p=.01) were consistent with MDAc.</p><p> <b>Conclusions:</b> A web-based FFQ and dietary screener are feasible to complete by individuals with PD, but the screener requires further refinement to enhance acceptability of both the content and format. After these improvements can further validation of the screener occur.</p><p> <b>Implications for individuals with Parkinson's Disease:</b> It is imperative to provide a dietary assessment tool that is feasible and acceptable to this patient population in order to best understand dietary patterns for future research.</p><p>
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