Knowledge of Nutritional Issues among Osteopaths in Austria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Osteopaths are important actors in the Austrian healthcare system. High prevalence rates for diseases associated with nutrition, as well as studies from other countries, imply that os-teopaths are confronted with questions regarding nutrition in the course of their work. Aim: The purpose of this study was to survey osteopath's knowledge of nutritional issues in a cross-sectional study and analyze factors that influence nutrition knowledge. Furthermore, it will be investigated if osteopaths are confronted with problems or questions regarding nutrition. Material and Methods: With the help of schools of osteopathy all osteopaths, who could be found in Austria, were asked to participate in an online survey. As instruments of research, the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ) and a second questionnaire were used. Results: The average rate of correctly answered questions was 74.4% for the GNKQ and 37.2% for the Temple Questionnaire (n=188). Discussion: Compared to other occupational groups in the American or British healthcare system, Austrian osteopaths' average nutritional knowledge is slightly higher. Only nutrition experts and people employed at centres specializing in eating disorders obtained more favourable results. Fur-ther surveys ought to develop valid instruments for Austria and attempt to define which amount of nutrition knowledge can be considered as adequate for certain occupational groups. Keywords: nutrition knowledge, knowledge of nutritional issues, osteopathy, General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire