P774 - MOTIVATIONAL DRIVERS ON PLANT-DERIVED EATING INTENTION DIFFER BETWEEN PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND CALL FOR TARGETED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

P774

MOTIVATIONAL DRIVERS ON PLANT-DERIVED EATING INTENTION DIFFER BETWEEN PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND CALL FOR TARGETED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

M. A. van Bree^1,2,*, B. C. Schouten³, H. M. Kruizenga¹, M. R. Soeters²

¹Nutrition & Dietetics, ²Endocrinology & Metabolism, Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, ³Amsterdam School of Communication Science (ASCoR), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Rationale: Public health and sustainability prompt hospitals to promote protein-rich, plant-derived nutrition. The extent to which patients and healthcare professionals intend to adopt these protein sources is unexplored. To support effective implementation strategies, this study examines factors that predict the intention to consume or provide more plant-derived protein during hospitalization.

Methods: A single-center survey study was conducted between September 2024 and January 2025, collecting data on dietary habits and plant-derived eating intention of both patients and healthcare professionals. Surveys were based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Multiple linear regression analyses identified predictors of behavioral intention.

Results: 603 participants were included (patients: n=300, age 61±16, female 41%, omnivore 75%; healthcare professionals: n=303, age 39±13, female 82%, omnivore 45%). For patients, more knowledge, positive behavioral beliefs, -attitude and -subjective norm significantly predicted the intention to consume plant-derived protein, while feeling forced by the hospital acted as a barrier(p<.05, R=.74, R²=.55). For healthcare professionals, more knowledge, positive behavioral beliefs, -attitude, -normative beliefs and feeling forced by the hospital all predicted the intention to provide more plant-derived protein to patients(p<.05, R=.73, R²=.53).  

Conclusion: Differences in motivational drivers require targeted strategies to implement plant-derived protein in hospitals. These predictors can guide implementation strategies. Patients may respond better to autonomy-supportive approaches (e.g. diverse plant-derived menu options), while emphasizing institutional expectations seem more effective for healthcare professionals. Future research may identify strategies to apply these insights in practice.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared