Dietary Habits and Changes in Nutrition among Patients Recovering from Alcohol Addiciton Treatment in Selected Psychiatric Hospitals in the Czech Republic: A Pilot Study
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recent studies indcate that persons dependent on alcohol may show deficient of specific vitamins and minerals. These deficits can be subsequently associated with other somatic, physiological and psychological problems.
AIM: The aim of a study was to map a dietary habits and nutrition among patients in the addiciton treatment in the Psychiatric hospital Bohnice in Prague and Psychiatric hospital Opava. Within a pilot study, it was examined nutrition of the patients - whether nutrition meets the general dietary guidelines and if there are some changes in dietary habits before and after an initiation of treatment.
METHODS: Research sample included 49 patients. The test battery consisted of Alcohol Depending Scale (ADS) and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).
RESULTS: The results indicate significant changes in dietary habits nad nutrition preferences of patients before institutional treatment and after the initation. During treatment, patients nutritional quality has improved in some areas - the increase of foods, such as quality carbohydrates and vegetables, which were inadequate during alcohol consumption.
On the other hand, it also increased intake of monosacharides. CONCLUSION: Treatment of alcohol dependence and abstinence initiation affect dietary habits and nutrition preferences of patients.
The attention paid to the quality of nutrition of the patients can significantly help to maintain abstinence, compliance to the treatment and improvement of their psychic and physical condition.