Prevalence of food-related misbeliefs among postoperative patients at a tertiary care health center: a pilot survey and future directions

Prajwal A. Srinivasan; Vinayak Venugopal; Raam M. Selvarajan; Ranusha Ganapathy; Shiv Patel; Aleena Waraich; Anurag Rana

doi:10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20243130

Authors

Prajwal A. Srinivasan Whiston Hospital, Mersey West Lancashire NHS Trust, UK
Vinayak Venugopal Whiston Hospital, Mersey West Lancashire NHS Trust, UK
Raam M. Selvarajan Whiston Hospital, Mersey West Lancashire NHS Trust, UK
Ranusha Ganapathy Whiston Hospital, Mersey West Lancashire NHS Trust, UK
Shiv Patel Whiston Hospital, Mersey West Lancashire NHS Trust, UK
Aleena Waraich Mersey West Lancashire NHS Trust, UK
Anurag Rana Department of Orthopaedics, Whiston Hospital, Mersey West Lancashire NHS Trust, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20243130

Keywords:

Postoperative nutrition, Dietary misbeliefs, Wound healing, Patient education, Cultural dietary practices, Tertiary care

Abstract

Background: Effective postoperative recovery is significantly influenced by nutrition, yet pervasive food-related misbeliefs can impede this process. This is particularly prevalent in regions with high rates of medical misinformation and cultural dietary restrictions.

Methods: A survey was conducted with 917 postoperative patients at a tertiary care center in India from July 2019 to December 2019. A structured questionnaire was used to identify prevalent dietary misconceptions and their potential impact on wound healing.

Results: The survey revealed that 18.9% of patients harboured detrimental food-related misbeliefs, with the majority avoiding high-protein foods such as meat and dairy due to unfounded fears of adverse effects on wound healing.

Conclusions: The findings highlight a critical need for targeted educational interventions to correct these misbeliefs and promote nutritional practices that support recovery. Given the scope of this issue, further research is recommended to explore the broader implications of dietary misconceptions on post-surgical outcomes across different regions and cultures.

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