(P02-063-25) Application of a Novel Framework to Categorize and Prioritize Nutrition-Focused Research Gaps

Objectives: The NIH Office of Disease Prevention (ODP) works across the NIH to identify evidence gaps for prevention-related research in which nutrition plays a key role. The Community Preventive Services Taskforce (CPSTF) provides evidence-based recommendations about community-based programs, and policies. It helps inform decision-about effective interventions for implementation. The purpose of this project is to test the applicability of a novel framework, using a NASEM-developed taxonomy for characterizing evidence gaps, to targeted nutrition-focused CPSTF recommendations and identify needs for additional research.

Methods: CPSTF recommendations focused on nutrition, obesity, and physical activity (PA) published between 2018-2023 were selected for review. Evidence gaps associated with each recommendation were categorized using the NASEM dissemination and implementation (D&I) framework including size; scope of services; scalability; sustainability; penetration of the program; implementation of the scope of services; participation in the program; and effectiveness of the program. Thematic analysis was conducted to characterize commonalities and differences across D&I gaps.

Results: A total of 8 recommendations with 38 associated evidence gaps were selected for analysis. Those gaps addressed key topics like interventions to improve meal or snack choices for obesity prevention, digital health interventions to increase healthy eating and PA, home delivered meal services, and more. When the framework was applied to D&I gaps, the majority were focused on scope of services including costs (10). Other categories included effectiveness (8), implementation of scope of services (6), sustainability (5), scalability (4), penetration (2), and size (1). Some gaps were focused on more than one area. The findings are relevant to schools, communities, and workplaces.

Conclusions: The NASEM taxonomy is a novel framework for organizing and prioritizing nutrition-focused evidence gaps identified by the CPSTF. This framework can help to effectively organize research gaps within any topic area and develop research agendas. CPSTF recommendations include valuable implementation resources for practitioners and provide guidance for additional research needs. These resources are potentially useful for ASN researchers.

Funding Sources: NIH ODP