PD996 - DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF AN EVIDENCE-BASED NUTRITIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR INFORMAL CAREGIVERS OF FRAIL OLDER ADULTS IN ECUADOR

PD996

DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF AN EVIDENCE-BASED NUTRITIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR INFORMAL CAREGIVERS OF FRAIL OLDER ADULTS IN ECUADOR

I. Dirani - Alvarez^1,*, M. E. López - Donoso¹, A. M. Chisaguano - Tonato¹

¹Nutrición y Dietética, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador

Rationale: Latin America faces a critical gap in structured nutritional education for informal caregivers of older adults. In Ecuador, 31.2% of older adults exhibit frailty. Given that the coexistence of frailty and malnutrition increases mortality risk 4.3-fold, specialized training is urgent. We aimed to develop an evidence-bases, culturally adapted nutritional program for informal caregivers in the Ecuadorian context. 

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted via PubMed, ScienceDirect, and NIH to support the development of: (1) a seven-module educational curriculum with practical workshops; and (2) a standardized recipe book under the IDDSI framework, focused on protein fortification, increased caloric density, and optimization of key micronutrients. Cultural adaptation included local ingredients, traditional spices, simplified language, and regional food visual aids to ensure adherence.

Results: Educational modules covered frailty fundamentals, aging physiology, nutritional assessment using validated tools for lay caregivers, and practical management strategies. Standardized recipes achieved protein fortification up to 25% Daily Value (DV) per serving, compliance with IDDSI levels 2-7; and optimization (³ 20% DV) of vitamins (A, B12, C, D, E) and minerals (Ca, Zn, Fe, Se). Innovations included accessible natural thickeners, high-fiber options, and culturally familiar hydration strategies.

Conclusion: This program presents a comprehensive approach, rarely explored in Latin America, for training informal caregivers of frail older adults. The integration of validated screening tools and IDDSI-compliant recipes constitutes an innovative, replicable model for resource-limited settings. Its implementation could significantly improve nutritional outcomes in Ecuador and other countries with similar contexts.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared