C R Hankey1, S Eley, W S Leslie, C M Hunter, M E J Lean. 1. University of Glasgow Department of Human Nutrition, Queen Elizabeth Building, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK. c.r.hankey@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To document knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and eating habits of health professionals with respect to obesity, nutrition and weight management. DESIGN: A self-complete questionnaire postal survey. SETTING: Primary care and dietetic practice in Scotland. SUBJECTS: A systematic stratified sample of 2290 subjects incorporated general practitioners (n=1400), practice nurses (n=613) and all practising dietitians (n=360) who were members of the British Dietetic Association. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 65%. All professionals showed a clear understanding of nutrition and health. Understanding of obesity as a disease and of the effectiveness of weight management using low-energy diets was limited. Below 10% had carried out audit to determine the incidence of obesity and overweight, and most were uncertain about their own effectiveness in delivering weight management advice. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that health professionals have some knowledge of nutrition and weight management but are unclear how to deliver effective weight management advice. Further training is justified to ensure the effective provision of nutritional advice to patients.
OBJECTIVE: To document knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and eating habits of health professionals with respect to obesity, nutrition and weight management. DESIGN: A self-complete questionnaire postal survey. SETTING: Primary care and dietetic practice in Scotland. SUBJECTS: A systematic stratified sample of 2290 subjects incorporated general practitioners (n=1400), practice nurses (n=613) and all practising dietitians (n=360) who were members of the British Dietetic Association. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 65%. All professionals showed a clear understanding of nutrition and health. Understanding of obesity as a disease and of the effectiveness of weight management using low-energy diets was limited. Below 10% had carried out audit to determine the incidence of obesity and overweight, and most were uncertain about their own effectiveness in delivering weight management advice. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that health professionals have some knowledge of nutrition and weight management but are unclear how to deliver effective weight management advice. Further training is justified to ensure the effective provision of nutritional advice to patients.
Authors: Suzanne J Snodgrass; Maya Guest; Ashley K Kable; Carole James; Samantha E Ashby; Ronald C Plotnikoff; Clare E Collins Journal: Healthcare (Basel) Date: 2016-11-14
Authors: Xinge Zhang; Yueqiao Wang; Jason S Brinkley; Theresa M Oniffrey; Rui Zhang; Guoxun Chen; Rui Li; Justin B Moore Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-11-15 Impact factor: 3.390