Information About the Gut Microbiome's Connection to Health and Disease can Impact Knowledge: Feasibility of an Education-Based Intervention in a General Internal Medicine Clinic.

Abstract

The gut microbiome (gMicrobiome)-a dynamic ecosystem of microorganisms-is emerging as a correlate of healthy lifestyle. Patients may not be aware of this. General Internal Medicine patients completed surveys evaluating gMicrobiome knowledge, lifestyle knowledge, dietary intake, physical activity, sleep, and stress. Surveys were given pre-/post-education (n = 112) and at 1 month follow-up (n = 60). The educational-module comprised a video and handout describing how lifestyle enhances gMicrobiome and health outcomes. Post-educational-module, 9 of 19 (47%) statements showed favorable change in knowledge (P < 0.05). Two statements reached statistical significance at 1-month follow-up: "Exercise influences the types of bacteria present in the digestive system" [7 (12%) to 24 (41%), P = 0.004] and "An inactive lifestyle promotes the growth of healthy types of digestive system bacteria" [12 (20%) to 24 (41%), P = 0.035]. We observed a small but favorable change in knowledge but not behavior. Large lifestyle changes are challenging to adopt, and education alone is necessary but insufficient for change. Our results confirm that education is a viable first step to establish the importance of pursuing lifestyle changes, perhaps moving from pre-contemplation to contemplation. Baseline knowledge in our participants was higher than anticipated, indicating that this intervention may have been too introductory. Future interventions should investigate baseline knowledge.