Nutrition Module Intervention to Improve Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Trainers for Persons with Disabilities in Rehabilitation Centers in Malaysia

Introduction: Other than parents, primary care providers such as community workers and rehabilitation service personnel are also important nutritional gatekeepers for persons with disabilities (PWD). Good nutrition management for PWD by joint efforts is most desirable to prevent further disablement in later years. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutrition module intervention on improving trainers’ knowledge, attitude and practice in nutrition management for PWD in rehabilitation centres. Methods: This quasi-experimental study which employed mixed methods design recruited 45 trainers as intervention group and another 42 trainers as comparison group. Intervention group participated in a three-consecutive-day nutrition intervention while comparison group was trained on general health care services for PWD. Nutrition knowledge, attitude and practice scores for both groups were assessed using a validated questionnaire at baseline (T0), 1-month (T1) and 6-month (T2) intervals after intervention. Intervention trainer’s on-the-job nutrition practice was further assessed by qualitative interviews. Results: Repeated measures ANCOVA demonstrated that intervention group attained significantly higher nutrition knowledge (p