RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 A pilot study of a Mediterranean-type diet intervention in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis living in areas of social deprivation in Glasgow JF Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases JO Ann Rheum Dis FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism SP 1239 OP 1243 DO 10.1136/ard.2006.065151 VO 66 IS 9 A1 G McKellar A1 E Morrison A1 A McEntegart A1 R Hampson A1 A Tierney A1 G Mackle A1 J Scoular A1 J A Scott A1 H A Capell YR 2007 UL http://ard.bmj.com/content/66/9/1239.abstract AB Background: A Mediterranean-type diet rich in fish, fruit and vegetables and low in saturated fats has been associated with health benefits, including improved cardiovascular profile and benefit in RA. Objective: To overcome obstacles to healthy eating by a community-based intervention promoting a Mediterranean-type diet in patients with RA living in socially deprived areas of Glasgow. Methods: 130 female patients with RA aged 30–70 years (median 55), disease duration 8 years were recruited from three hospital sites. The intervention group (n = 75) attended weekly 2-hour sessions for 6 weeks in the local community, including hands-on cooking classes backed up with written information. The control group (n = 55) were given dietary written information only. Both groups completed food frequency questionnaires (FFQs), and clinical and laboratory measures were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Results: Significant benefit was shown in the intervention group compared with controls for patient global assessment at 6 months (p = 0.002), pain score at 3 and 6 months (p = 0.011 and 0.049), early morning stiffness at 6 months (p = 0.041) and Health Assessment Questionnaire score at 3 months (p = 0.03). Analysis of the FFQs showed significant increases in weekly total fruit, vegetable and legume consumption and improvement in the ratio of monounsaturated:saturated fat intake and systolic BP in the intervention group only. The cooking classes were positively received by patients and tutors; cost/patient for the 6 week course was £84 (€124). Conclusions: Results demonstrate that a 6 week intervention can improve consumption of healthier foods. If implemented more widely it may prove a popular, inexpensive and useful adjunct to other RA treatment.