Conference presentation
The nutrition knowledge of students enrolled in nutrition and dietetic programs
USC Research Conference, 2014 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 14-Jul-2014–18-Jul-2014)
University of the Sunshine Coast
2014
Abstract
Background: Advanced nutrition knowledge is the foundation of dietetic practice, thus a fundamental component of a nutrition degree. Yet it is unknown how this knowledge develops over the course of the degree, the credibility of information sought to inform knowledge and whether this is related to students' personal beliefs and dietary practices. Objectives: 1. To describe the motives for career selection, sources of nutrition information, dietary regimens and nutrition knowledge of students enrolled in undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics (ND) and Nutrition programs. 2. To compare the variation of nutrition knowledge to students enrolled in an undergraduate Occupational Therapy (OT) program. Methods: An online survey including the validated Australian General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire was administered to students enrolled in a ND, Nutrition or OT undergraduate program in 2013. Key findings: A total of 165 students completed the questionnaire, the majority of whom were female (87%). The predominate reasons students selected Nutrition or ND degree programs were personal interest in nutrition (75%) or desire to help others (21%). Many of ND and Nutrition students (37%) reported following a dietary regimen, commonly self-prescribed and involved avoiding specific foods. The mean overall knowledge score for ND students (78.5±9.6) was significantly greater than Nutrition and OT students (p<0.01). The levels of nutrition knowledge were significantly greater in 3rd and 4th year ND students than the lower years (p<0.01). Students in second, third and fourth year used significantly more credible sources (79%) than the first year students (7%) who used books, media and the internet for nutrition information (p<0.01). These findings suggest that the curricula in ND is appropriate to develop knowledge and skills to critic nutrition information, however more focus may be needed for non-accredited nutrition program.
Details
- Title
- The nutrition knowledge of students enrolled in nutrition and dietetic programs
- Authors
- Kristin Lawrence (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Additional notes
- Winner of Best Honours Presentation - Faculty of Arts and Business.
- Conference details
- USC Research Conference, 2014 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 14-Jul-2014–18-Jul-2014)
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2014
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2014 The Author.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448851302621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
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