Attitudes Towards Plant-Based Eating and Self Reported Vegetable Intake in Inner-City Kidney Patients: Relationship to BMI and Blood Pressure

Abstract

Abstract Objectives A Plant-Based Eating (PBE) dietary pattern is reportedly beneficial for pts with kidney disease but attitudes of CKD/ESKD patients regarding plant-based eating and dietary habits have been rarely reported. Methods A face-to-face survey was conducted in a random convenience sample of people attending CKD clinic (15), Transplant clinic (12), and the Dialysis Unit (4). Pts were given multiple choice questions assessing their attitudes and understanding of plant-based eating and asked to estimate daily vegetable intake. No difference was noted among clinics so data were analyzed together. Comparisons are by t-test unless noted. Results Mean age was 54.7 ± 1.7 yrs with 16 (53%) men, 25 (80%)Black, 12 (40%) had an income < $20 K, with 10 (33%) between $20 K and 40 K. 10 (33%) were employed. 64.5% (20) were interested in learning more about PBE; 35% had never heard of PBE. 22(71%) reported that they consume animal protein 1–3x daily or more. 20 (57%) reported that they consume plant-based protein less than once a day or never. Pts who did not eat vegetables regularly had a higher BMI than those who ate plants more frequently (30.9 ± 1.86 vs 26.3 ± 0.96, P < 0.05), and higher systolic and diastolic BP (144.3 ± 5.9 vs 126 ± 5.2, P < 0.05 and 77.9 ± 3.5 vs 66.3 ± 4.1, P = 0.019) and were less likely to take herbal or non-vitamin supplements (1% vs 54%, P = 0.007 by Chi square). As regards beliefs about PBE, 46.4% believe it would be difficult to find things to eat at restaurants, 51.7% thought it would be difficult to buy food or groceries on a budget, 46.4% thought they could not get all the protein they need from plant-based foods without eating animal meat or products and 40.7% thought it would be hard to get all the vitamins and nutrients and 63.1% thought it would be easy to find recipes that taste good. Conclusions In our population: 1. The majority of pts were interested in learning about PBE and had heard of it. 2. The majority ate few to no vegetables on a daily basis. 3. Possible obstacles to introducing PBE are common misconceptions including difficulty of affording food, getting enough protein and finding something to eat when eating out. 4. Intensive educational programs targeted towards our population should be developed as pts who ate more vegetables had lower BMI and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and in general PBE has been shown to be beneficial for pts with CKD/ESKD. Funding Sources None.