NutriKAP-CF – Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in CF
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A UK Survey Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards Healthy Eating and Optimising Body Composition in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis.
IRAS ID
362644
Contact name
Laura Kinsey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 20 days
Research summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lifelong genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system. Advances in treatment mean people with CF may live well past the age of 70. However, this improved life expectancy brings new health challenges. Historically, people with CF were encouraged to eat high-fat, high-calorie diets to prevent malnutrition. More adults with CF are becoming overweight or have high levels of body fat, which can increase the risk of long-term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Healthy eating and maintaining a good balance of muscle and fat (known as body composition) are important for protecting long-term health. Despite this, little is known about what adults with CF understand about healthy eating, how important they feel it is, or the challenges they face in improving their diet.
This study will use a confidential online survey to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults with CF across the UK regarding healthy eating and body composition. We will also ask about barriers and motivations, such as cost, time, confidence, and personal preferences. The survey includes questions on dietary habits, understanding of nutrition, and views on the relevance of body composition to their health. We will use a recognised scoring tool to assess how closely participants’ diets follow a Mediterranean-style eating pattern, which is linked to better heart health.
About 860 adults with CF will be invited to take part, through the Manchester Adult CF Centre and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Participation is voluntary, confidential, and will take about 20 minutes.
The findings will help identify gaps in knowledge, common barriers, and opportunities for support. This information will be used to guide future research and develop an intervention to help people with CF make informed dietary choices for healthier ageing.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EM/0019
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion