Introducing a nutritional app in supervised residences for independent living: Experiences of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers

Abstract

Background: Dietary challenges are common among individuals with intellectual disability residing in supervised living in Norway, and this is a major risk factor for health problems. The aim of this study was to explore feasibility of the nutrition tablet app APPetitus, among persons with intellectual disability and their formal caregivers. Method: Joint dyad interviews with residents and caregivers were conducted after five individuals with intellectual disability used APPetitus for eight weeks. Seven formal caregivers and managers participated in subsequent focus group interviews. Thematic analysis informed the data analysis. The study complies with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Results: The findings were mapped into three themes: APPetitus mediating nutritional conversations, residents' strategies to control the conversation and caregiver support as a required prerequisite for overall user comprehension. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that a nutritional app can contribute to and normalize nutritional conversations, and empower residents to participate.