Eating attitudes and behaviours of students enrolled in undergraduate nutrition and dietetics degrees

Tetyana Rocks; Fiona Pelly; Gary J Slater; Lisa Martin

doi:10.1111/1747-0080.12298

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Eating attitudes and behaviours of students enrolled in undergraduate nutrition and dietetics degrees

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Eating attitudes and behaviours of students enrolled in undergraduate nutrition and dietetics degrees

Tetyana Rocks, Fiona Pelly, Gary J Slater and Lisa Martin

Nutrition & dietetics, Vol.74(4), pp.381-387

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12298

PMID: 28901702

Appears in UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection

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https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12298View

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Abstract

disordered eating

Eating Attitudes Test

eating behaviours

eating disorders

nutrition and dietetics students

Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire

UniSC Diversity Area - Disability and Inclusion

Aim: The prevalence of disordered eating has been frequently reported in university students; however, the prevalence amongst Australian undergraduate students studying degrees with a focus on nutrition is uncertain. The aims of this study were to: (i) assess eating attitudes and behaviours of students enrolled in nutrition and dietetics, (ii) compare those to students enrolled in another health degree of occupational therapy (OT) and (iii) explore possible relationships between eating attitudes and behaviours and other characteristics of both cohorts. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study investigated self-reported anthropometric characteristics, eating attitudes and behaviours and self-esteem using a series of questionnaires. Results: Participants included 137 students (119 females, 18 males) with a mean age of 27.1±8.7 years. Fourteen percent of nutrition and dietetics and 11% of OT students had disordered eating attitudes scores that were symptomatic of an eating disorder. Mean eating attitude scores did not differ between the degrees of study. Students in nutrition and dietetics showed significantly higher levels of cognitive restraint and less emotional eating than OT students. Enrolment in the first year of study was the strongest predictor of symptomatic eating attitudes. Conclusions: These findings support previously expressed concern about presence of disordered eating in nutrition and dietetics undergraduates. Collaboratively developed support mechanisms for preventing and managing disordered relationships with food would be of benefit to students enrolled in nutrition degrees to ensure ongoing professional integrity.

Details

Title: Eating attitudes and behaviours of students enrolled in undergraduate nutrition and dietetics degrees
Authors: Tetyana Rocks (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Fiona Pelly (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Gary J Slater (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Lisa Martin (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: Nutrition & dietetics, Vol.74(4), pp.381-387
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia
Date published: 2017
DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12298
ISSN: 1446-6368
PMID: 28901702
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451161002621
Output Type: Journal article

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