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Journal of Nutrition Education and... May 2022To measure the internal consistency reliability of 3 weight bias scales among nutrition and dietetics students enrolled at a public university in Ghana and to use the...
OBJECTIVES
To measure the internal consistency reliability of 3 weight bias scales among nutrition and dietetics students enrolled at a public university in Ghana and to use the Fat Phobia Scale (FPS) to determine the prevalence of weight bias and the differences in gender and body mass index.
DESIGN
Online survey gathered self-reported height, weight, and demographic data. Explicit weight bias was assessed using validated FPS, Beliefs About Obese People, and Attitudes Toward Obese Persons scales.
PARTICIPANTS
Sample of 172 students.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Prevalence of weight bias.
ANALYSIS
Cronbach α reliability test was used to measure the internal consistency of scales. The prevalence of weight bias was expressed as a percentage. Independent t tests and analysis of variance were used to explore differences in gender and weight categories.
RESULTS
The reliability scores for FPS, Beliefs About Obese People, and Attitudes Toward Obese Persons scales were 0.92, 0.51, and 0.38, respectively. About 53% of participants expressed weight bias. A significant difference was observed for weight bias between overweight and obese participants, with participants with obesity showing greater weight bias (P = 0.03).
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS
Fat Phobia Scale (most reliable) identified more than half of the students had a negative attitude toward obesity. Weight bias training within this population may improve attitudes toward obesity.
Topics: Attitude of Health Personnel; Dietetics; Ghana; Humans; Obesity; Reproducibility of Results; Students; Surveys and Questionnaires; Universities; Weight Prejudice
PubMed: 35351356
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2022.01.007 -
Topics in Spinal Cord Injury... 2021Following spinal cord injury (SCI), individuals are at high risk for obesity and several chronic cardiometabolic disorders due to a deterioration in body composition,... (Review)
Review
Following spinal cord injury (SCI), individuals are at high risk for obesity and several chronic cardiometabolic disorders due to a deterioration in body composition, hypometabolic rate, and endometabolic dysregulation. Countermeasures to the consequences of an SCI include adopting a healthy diet that provides adequate nutrition to maintain good body habitus and cardiometabolic health. A proper diet for individuals with SCI should distribute carbohydrates, protein, and fat to optimize a lower energy intake requirement and should stress foods with low caloric yet high nutrient density. The purpose of this article is to present available evidence on how nutritional status after SCI should advance future research to further develop SCI-specific guidelines for total energy intake, as it relates to percent carbohydrates, protein, fat, and all vitamins and minerals, that take into consideration the adaptations after SCI.
Topics: Dietetics; Energy Intake; Humans; Nutritional Status; Obesity; Spinal Cord Injuries
PubMed: 33814888
DOI: 10.46292/sci20-00031 -
Nutrition & Dietetics: the Journal of... Sep 2022We aimed to explore the future roles of nutrition and dietetics professionals, and what capabilities the workforce would need to fulfil these roles.
AIM
We aimed to explore the future roles of nutrition and dietetics professionals, and what capabilities the workforce would need to fulfil these roles.
METHOD
A qualitative interpretive approach was employed. We conducted individual interviews with nutrition and non-nutrition thought leaders external to the profession. In addition, we conducted focus groups with experts within the nutrition and dietetics profession, academic dietetics educators and students/recent nutrition and dietetics graduates (total sample n = 68). Key nutrition-related issues and challenges, drivers for change and potential future roles of the profession were explored. Data were analysed using a team-based thematic analysis approach.
RESULTS
Future roles of nutrition and dietetics professionals were described as food aficionados, diet optimisers, knowledge translators, equity champions, systems navigators and food systems activists, change makers, activists and disruptors. In addition, science was identified as a uniting framework underpinning the professions. An additional 16 critical capabilities were considered to underpin practice.
CONCLUSION
The results demonstrated that the current and future needs for workforce education and development need to address the impact of climate change, growing inequities, the democratisation of knowledge and the disruption of health and food systems. Education providers, regulators, professional associations and citizens need to work together to realise roles that will deliver on better health for all.
Topics: Dietetics; Forecasting; Humans; New Zealand; Nutritionists; Workforce
PubMed: 35355390
DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12734 -
The Impostor Phenomenon in the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey.International Journal of Environmental... May 2022The impostor phenomenon (IP) (also known as impostor syndrome) describes high-achieving individuals who, despite their objective successes, fail to internalize their...
The impostor phenomenon (IP) (also known as impostor syndrome) describes high-achieving individuals who, despite their objective successes, fail to internalize their accomplishments and have persistent self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud or impostor. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of IP within a sample of nutrition and dietetics students and practitioners. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted and utilized a non-random, convenience sampling approach. A total of 1015 students, dietetic interns, and currently practicing and retired registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetic technicians registered provided complete responses. IP was assessed with the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). Self-reported job satisfaction and well-being were assessed using validated scales. Average CIPS score was 66.0 ± 16.3 (range 22−99), and higher scores indicate more frequent or severe IP experiences. Frequent or intense IP was reported by 64% of survey respondents (n = 655). Older age, greater educational attainment and professional level, and membership in Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics groups were associated with lower IP scores. Greater social media use was associated with higher IP scores. Job satisfaction and overall well-being were inversely correlated with IP (p < 0.001). Findings suggest that IP experiences were common among a majority of nutrition and dietetics students and practitioners surveyed. Additional research and development of preventative strategies and interventions is needed.
Topics: Anxiety Disorders; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietetics; Humans; Nutritionists; Self Concept
PubMed: 35564953
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095558 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Jan 2023Phenylalanine-free infant formula is an essential source of safe protein in a phenylalanine restricted diet, but its efficacy is rarely studied. We report a multicentre,...
BACKGROUND
Phenylalanine-free infant formula is an essential source of safe protein in a phenylalanine restricted diet, but its efficacy is rarely studied. We report a multicentre, open, longitudinal, prospective intervention study on a phenylalanine-free infant formula (PKU Start: Vitaflo International Ltd.).
RESULTS
This was a 2-part study: part I (28 days short term evaluation) and part II (12 months extension). Data was collected on infant blood phenylalanine concentrations, dietary intake, growth, and gastrointestinal tolerance. Ten infants (n = 8 males, 80%), with a median age of 14 weeks (range 4-36 weeks) were recruited from 3 treatment centres in the UK. Nine of ten infants completed the 28-day follow-up (one caregiver preferred the usual phenylalanine-free formula and discontinued the study formula after day 14) and 7/9 participated in study part II. The phenylalanine-free infant formula contributed a median of 57% (IQR 50-62%) energy and 53% (IQR 33-66%) of total protein intake from baseline to the end of the part II extension study. During the 12-month follow-up, infants maintained normal growth and satisfactory blood phenylalanine control. Any early gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation, colic, vomiting and poor feeding) improved with time.
CONCLUSION
The study formula was well tolerated, helped maintain good metabolic control, and normal growth in infants with PKU. The long-term efficacy of phenylalanine-free infant formula should continue to be observed and monitored.
Topics: Infant; Male; Humans; Infant Formula; Prospective Studies; Phenylalanine; Proteins; Phenylketonurias
PubMed: 36698214
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02621-9 -
Nutrition & Dietetics: the Journal of... Jul 2021Internal coherence in research refers to the alignment between ontology (nature of reality), epistemology (nature of knowledge), axiology (values), methodology and... (Review)
Review
AIM
Internal coherence in research refers to the alignment between ontology (nature of reality), epistemology (nature of knowledge), axiology (values), methodology and methods and is an important but often overlooked element of research quality. We therefore aimed to illustrate the concept of internal coherence in nutrition and dietetics research, and its importance beyond individual elements of study quality.
METHOD
A targeted literature search in Nutrition and Dietetics was used to identify research illustrating one example of three main approaches to research (scientific, interpretive and critical inquiry) published between November 2017 and November 2020. Studies were included if they related to education research based on the expertise of the authors, and illustrated diverse points about internal coherence. The authors independently critiqued included studies for internal coherence and synthesised their findings.
RESULTS
From 76 manuscripts, 14 were identified as describing education research. Of the three selected studies that were critiqued, all had elements of internal coherence, in particular alignment between epistemology and methodology. However, each had elements of misalignment too, specifically between epistemology, axiology and method. The results point to the profession's historical groundings privileging the scientific approach, showing how this can yield misalignments, particularly when describing the limitations of interpretive and critical inquiry approaches.
CONCLUSION
This review demonstrates the importance of internal coherence as a marker of quality, over and above existing quality assessment checklists for qualitative and quantitative methodologies. As such, it can help authors, reviewers and editors to improve the quality of nutrition and dietetics research and its reporting.
Topics: Dietetics; Humans; Nutritional Status; Research Design
PubMed: 34151511
DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12680 -
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and... Apr 2024Empathy is fundamental to the provision of efficacious patient-centered health care. Currently, there is no comprehensive synthesis of peer-reviewed empirical research...
BACKGROUND
Empathy is fundamental to the provision of efficacious patient-centered health care. Currently, there is no comprehensive synthesis of peer-reviewed empirical research related to empathy in the nutrition and dietetics profession. Understanding empathy in the context of nutrition and dietetics care may lead to improved teaching practices that support nutrition and dietetics students and practitioners to provide high-quality, empathic, patient-centered care.
OBJECTIVE
This scoping review aimed to understand the approaches through which empathy is conceptualized, measured, and taught in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
METHODS
Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses-Scoping Reviews Statement and Checklist, a scoping review process was undertaken. Five databases were searched in February 2023: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, and Scopus, with no date limits. Eligible studies were English language-based, peer-reviewed, empirical research exploring or measuring empathy as an outcome in primary data stratified to nutrition and dietetics. Extracted qualitative data were synthesized and analyzed thematically with an inductive, interpretivist approach applied to conceptualize the interrelationship between empathy and dietetic practice. Quantitative data were extracted and summarized in a table.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies were included in the scoping review. Analysis identified 2 overarching themes underpinning the current literature on empathy in nutrition and dietetics that described empathy as a key skill in the application of patient-centered care, which was supported by approaches to lifelong cultivation of empathy in the nutrition and dietetics profession. A range of tools has measured empathy in nutrition and dietetics students and practitioners with no clear consensus in findings across studies.
CONCLUSIONS
This review identified the extent and nature of empathy within nutrition and dietetics, from both practitioner and patient perspectives, and the vast array of approaches used to teach and quantify empathy in students and practitioners. Insights from this review inform the need for future studies. The results of this review suggest that future research include exploring implications of empathic dietetics care on patient outcomes and identification of best practice, evidence-based curricula and strategies to support sustainable cultivation and maintenance of empathic care across the career span of nutrition and dietetics practitioners.
PubMed: 38677364
DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.04.013 -
Nutrition & Dietetics: the Journal of... Sep 2020It is the position of Dietitians Australia that clients can receive high-quality and effective dietetic services such as Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) delivered via...
It is the position of Dietitians Australia that clients can receive high-quality and effective dietetic services such as Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) delivered via telehealth. Outcomes of telehealth-delivered dietetic consultations are comparable to those delivered in-person, without requiring higher levels of additional training nor compromising quality of service provision. Dietitians Australia recommends that policy makers and healthcare funders broaden the recognition for telehealth-delivered dietetic consultations as a responsive and cost-effective alternative or complement to traditional in-person delivery of dietetic services. The successful implementation of telehealth can help to address health and service inequalities, improve access to effective nutrition services, and support people with chronic disease to optimise their diet-related health and well-being, regardless of their location, income or literacy level, thereby addressing current inequities.
Topics: Australia; Dietary Services; Dietetics; Humans; Nutritionists; Telemedicine
PubMed: 32596950
DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12619 -
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and... Jul 2022The 3-phase fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet has shown a high level of efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome, largely based on... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/AIMS
The 3-phase fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet has shown a high level of efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome, largely based on dietitian delivered education. However, access to dietitians can be limited, and challenges exist when applying the diet to a wide range of cultures, such as limited FODMAP analysis of local foods. This review aims to discuss ways to optimally use the FODMAP diet in practice in a wide range of cultures, directed at gastroenterologists from a dietitian's perspective.
METHODS
Recent literature was analysed via search databases including Medline, CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus.
RESULTS
The dietetic process involves detailed assessment and follow-up through the 3 stages of the FODMAP diet (restriction, re-introduction, and long-term maintenance). Emerging evidence suggests the diet can be delivered by other health professionals such as the gastroenterologist or nurse, but training on how to do so successfully would be needed. Self-guided approaches through use of technology or specialised food delivery services may be an alternative when dietitians are not available, but efficacy data is limited. Regardless of delivery mode, nutritional and psychological risks of the diet must be mitigated. Additionally, culturally appropriate education must be provided, with accommodations necessary when the FODMAP content of local foods are unknown.
CONCLUSION
While the diet has shown improved irritable bowel syndrome outcomes across studies, it is important to acknowledge the essential role of dietitians in implementing, tailoring, and managing the diet to achieve the best outcome for each individual.
PubMed: 35799231
DOI: 10.5056/jnm22035 -
The American Journal of Gastroenterology Jun 2022There is accumulating evidence for the fundamental role of diet in the integrated care of disorders of gut-brain interaction. Food is a complex mixture of components... (Review)
Review
There is accumulating evidence for the fundamental role of diet in the integrated care of disorders of gut-brain interaction. Food is a complex mixture of components with individual, synergistic, and antagonistic effects, compared with the relative purity of a pharmaceutical. Food is also an inherent part of individuals' daily lives, and food choice is strongly tied to food preferences, personal beliefs, cultural and religious practices, and economic status, which can influence its ability to function as a therapeutic intervention. Hence, randomized controlled trials of dietary interventions carry unique methodological complexities that are not applicable to pharmaceutical trials that if disregarded can pose significant risk to trial quality. The challenges of designing and delivering the dietary intervention depend on the type of intervention (i.e., nutrient vs food supplementation or whole-diet intervention). Furthermore, there are multiple modes of delivery of dietary interventions, each with their own advantages (e.g., the high precision of feeding trials and the strong clinical applicability of dietary counseling trials). Randomized placebo-controlled trials of dietary interventions are possible with sufficient attention to their design and methodological nuances. Collaboration with experts in nutrition and dietetics is essential for the planning phase; however, even with expert input, not all challenges can be overcome. Researchers undertaking future dietary trials must be transparent in reporting these challenges and approaches for overcoming them. This review aims to provide guiding principles and recommendations for addressing these challenges to facilitate the conduct and reporting of high-quality trials that inform and improve clinical practice.
Topics: Brain; Diet; Dietetics; Humans; Nutritional Status; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 35297784
DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001732