Program
Nutrition and Dietetics
College
Education
Student Level
Master's
Location
Student Union Building, Ballroom C
Start Date
8-11-2021 11:00 AM
End Date
8-11-2021 1:00 PM
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the utilization of nutrition services and registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) at substance use disorder (SUD) treatment centers in New Mexico. This cross-sectional descriptive study used an online survey to gather information from SUD treatment centers offering inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and/or intensive outpatient treatment across New Mexico. To locate facilities in New Mexico, where the primary focus of care was substance abuse, a search was conducted using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) database of treatment facilities and programs. Out of the 80 facilities initially identified, individuals from 19 (23.8%) of the facilities completed the online survey. Facilities were asked questions regarding the forms of nutrition education offered and the credentials of the individual offering nutrition services. Eight facilities (42%) reported offering nutrition education that reinforced basic or essential nutrition related knowledge to their clients. Out of nineteen facilities that answered questions regarding the credentials of the individual(s) providing one-on-one nutrition counseling and/or group nutrition education, just one (5%) reported having an RDN. Despite diet and health-related impacts of SUD, most SUD treatment facilities in New Mexico lack nutrition services and just 5% reported utilizing an RDN. Inclusion of an RDN should be considered when developing treatment modalities and treatment teams for SUDs. More research is needed assessing clinical impacts of RDNs in people with SUD, particularly in a state like New Mexico, which has the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in the United States.
Natalie's Poster
Assessment of Nutrition Services in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Centers in New Mexico
Student Union Building, Ballroom C
The objective of this study was to assess the utilization of nutrition services and registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) at substance use disorder (SUD) treatment centers in New Mexico. This cross-sectional descriptive study used an online survey to gather information from SUD treatment centers offering inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and/or intensive outpatient treatment across New Mexico. To locate facilities in New Mexico, where the primary focus of care was substance abuse, a search was conducted using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) database of treatment facilities and programs. Out of the 80 facilities initially identified, individuals from 19 (23.8%) of the facilities completed the online survey. Facilities were asked questions regarding the forms of nutrition education offered and the credentials of the individual offering nutrition services. Eight facilities (42%) reported offering nutrition education that reinforced basic or essential nutrition related knowledge to their clients. Out of nineteen facilities that answered questions regarding the credentials of the individual(s) providing one-on-one nutrition counseling and/or group nutrition education, just one (5%) reported having an RDN. Despite diet and health-related impacts of SUD, most SUD treatment facilities in New Mexico lack nutrition services and just 5% reported utilizing an RDN. Inclusion of an RDN should be considered when developing treatment modalities and treatment teams for SUDs. More research is needed assessing clinical impacts of RDNs in people with SUD, particularly in a state like New Mexico, which has the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in the United States.
