Attitudes and knowledge of dietitian practice among a representative sample of Israeli adults

Abstract

BackgroundThere is confusion among members of the general public regarding the role of dietitians in healthcare. Little is known about public attitudes towards dietitians among the general public in Israel. ObjectivesThe present study aims to identify beliefs and attitudes about dietitians in clinical practice held by a representative sample of Israeli adults. MethodsThe present cross-sectional survey was conducted online. ResultsA total of 402 Israeli adults participated. The majority of respondents indicated that dietitians perform nutrition consultations and weight loss counselling. More than half of respondents knew that dietitians have at least a bachelor’s degree, but more than one third thought the degree was in alternative medicine. The majority of respondents ranked dietitians as the healthcare professionals with the greatest knowledge of human nutrition. Approximately have of respondents had been previously treated by a dietitian, and these people were more likely indicate the importance of nutrition care in treating chronic disease; further, they stated that dietitians utilize biochemical, anthropometric and other data in order to personalize nutrition care. In logistic regression analyses of specific dietitian roles, prior treatment by a dietitian emerged as a robust predictor of the role of the dietitian in healthcare. DiscussionRespondents identified dietitians as the professionals with the most knowledge of nutrition and the clinicians with whom they would most likely consult if they desired to change their eating habits.