Patricia Grace-Farfaglia1, Denise L Pickett-Bernard2, Andrea White Gorman3, Jaleh Dehpahlavan4. 1. Health Science, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT, United States; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Waterbury, CT, United States. Electronic address: patricia.grace-farfaglia@uconn.edu. 2. Health Science, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT, United States; Department of Nutrition, Life University, Marietta, GA, United States. 3. Health Science, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT, United States. 4. Department of Nutrition, Life University, Marietta, GA, United States.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study explored the health philosophy and practice orientation of RDNs in the United States. METHODS: A randomly selected group of RDNs were recruited to take an online survey using a reduced version of Integrative Medicine practice (IM-30). Confirmatory factor analysis, analyses of variance, and non-parametric tests were used to investigate the relationships between dietetic professionals' personal health philosophy, lifestyle, and orientation to Integrative Medicine. RESULTS: Overall construct validity of the IM-26 scale was demonstrated by Cronbach's α with reliabilities ranging from 0.766 to 0.89. Results from chi-square test of goodness-of-fit test (N = 477, χ2 = 228.72, p = 0.123) and RMSEA of 0.016 showed good model fit. IM orientation varied significantly by work setting and certification in one or more CAM therapies. CONCLUSIONS: The orientation towards Integrative Medicine for a majority of US dietitians is in the awareness and learning phases of adoption.
BACKGROUND: This study explored the health philosophy and practice orientation of RDNs in the United States. METHODS: A randomly selected group of RDNs were recruited to take an online survey using a reduced version of Integrative Medicine practice (IM-30). Confirmatory factor analysis, analyses of variance, and non-parametric tests were used to investigate the relationships between dietetic professionals' personal health philosophy, lifestyle, and orientation to Integrative Medicine. RESULTS: Overall construct validity of the IM-26 scale was demonstrated by Cronbach's α with reliabilities ranging from 0.766 to 0.89. Results from chi-square test of goodness-of-fit test (N = 477, χ2 = 228.72, p = 0.123) and RMSEA of 0.016 showed good model fit. IM orientation varied significantly by work setting and certification in one or more CAM therapies. CONCLUSIONS: The orientation towards Integrative Medicine for a majority of US dietitians is in the awareness and learning phases of adoption.
Keywords:
Complementary and alternative nutrition; Health philosophy; Integrative and functional medicine; Registered dietitian nutritionists; Wellness