.jpg)
Click here to stream the public defence
Due to copyright issues, an electronic copy of the thesis must be ordered from the faculty. For the faculty to have time to process the order, the order must be received by the faculty at the latest 2 days before the public defence. Orders received later than 2 days before the defence will not be processed. After the public defence, please address any inquiries regarding the thesis to the candidate.
Trial Lecture – time and place
See Trial Lecture.
Adjudication committee
- First opponent: Associate Professor Aud Elisabeth Witsø, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology,
- Second opponent: Clinical dietician Magnhild Kverneland, OUS - Oslo University Hospital,
- Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Professor Anne Cathrine Staff, University of Oslo
Chair of the Defence
Researcher Terje Nærland, University of Oslo
Principal Supervisor
Senior Researcher Marianne Nordstrøm, OUS - Oslo University Hospital
Summary
In the field of nutrition people with intellectual disabilities have an increased risk of obesity and health concerns related to their nutritional status and dietary intake, and few weight intervention studies have been tailored to this group.
The aims of the thesis were: To perform group interviews with staff working with people with intellectual disabilities to assess their experiences on factors influencing their opportunities to promote a healthy diet. To assess the effectiveness of a randomized controlled trial on weight, waist circumference, clinical health parameters and dietary habits in a group of overweight and obese adults with ID. To perform individual interviews with staff who had participated in the former trial to explore how extrinsic factors influence their motivation and performance of nutritional work with adults with ID.
Positive and equal attitudes of the staff and their leaders, guidance to facilitate a healthy diet, and increased practical cooking skills in persons with intellectual disabilities were found to be essential factors in promoting a healthy diet. The results from the trial showed a significant difference in waist circumference, fruit and berries intake, and long-term blood sugar between the groups, in favour of the intervention group, and supported by positive changes in the intervention group's blood parameters.
The results indicate that this type of trial can reduce visceral fat and improve relevant blood parameters and dietary habits for adults with ID, and in a long-term perspective have a positive effect on reducing lifestyle-related diseases. The individual interviews suggest an overall need for implementing systematic nutritional routines and clarifying nutritional work in practice. This, and the need for increased nutritional competence in the municipality organization and adequate framework conditions, were crucial factors for staff motivation, performance, and equality in nutritional practice.
Additional information
Contact the research support staff.