Educational Nutrition Workshops: Impact on Nutritional Status in Organized Living Beneficiaries with Severe Mental Disorders and Their Caregivers

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Individuals with severe mental disorders often face challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper dietary habits. Educational nutrition workshops, as a form of nutritional intervention, may play an important role in improving their nutritional status. This study aims to assess the impact of nutritional workshops on the dietary habits and nutritional status of individuals with severe mental disorders and their caregivers. Methods: This study involved 65 participants, namely 46 individuals with mental disorders living in organized settings (beneficiaries) and 19 caregivers. The nutritional intervention consisted of two cycles of workshops, encompassing a total of four educational workshops. Results: Results before and after the intervention showed positive changes in nutritional status and dietary intake. Beneficiaries lost on average 3.5 kg of body weight, while body fat decreased by 3.5% and visceral fat by 1.9 points. In the group of caregivers, body fat decreased by 3.2%. Energy intake (p < 0.05), total fat (p < 0.01), saturated fatty acid (p < 0.05), polyunsaturated fatty acid (p < 0.05), and sodium (p < 0.05) intake decreased in beneficiaries compared to intake before workshops, while dietary fiber (p < 0.05), vitamin C (p < 0.05), and fruit (p < 0.01) intake increased. In caregivers, the decrease in carbohydrate (p < 0.05), total sugar (p < 0.01), and dietary fiber (p < 0.05) intake was recorded. Conclusion: This study provides a strong foundation for future research and the implementation of educational programs as part of comprehensive care for individuals with severe mental disorders.