A Tailored Dietary Sodium Intervention Using Technology and Psychosocial Support: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background In patients with heart failure (HF), high dietary sodium intake is common and associated with HF symptoms, poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and high hospitalization rates. Purpose The aims of this study were to examine the feasibility of a tailored dietary intervention with a practical tool (MyFitnessPal) and to obtain preliminary data about the effects on sodium intake, factors affecting sodium intake (knowledge, skills, experiences, confidence, perceived benefits and barriers, and depressive symptoms), HF symptoms, and HRQOL. Methods A 6-session intervention was delivered to 11 participants. Paired t tests were used to compare the baseline outcomes with those at 3 months. Results Participants completed 98% of intervention sessions, and 91% used MyFitnessPal. Sodium intake was reduced, and factors affecting sodium intake, symptoms, and HRQOL were improved (all P < .05). Conclusion The intervention was feasible and warrants further research to test the effects of the intervention on the outcomes using larger, heterogeneous samples.