Nutrition Graduate Students have Neutral Perceptions, Attitudes, and Self-efficacy Related to Utilizing and Conducting Research

Abstract

Explore nutrition graduate students’ perceptions, attitudes and self-efficacy related to utilizing and conducting research. Low levels of research utilization and engagement have been reported by nutrition professionals. Numerous studies have investigated dietitians’ perceptions, attitudes and self-efficacy related to utilizing and conducting research but few studies have focused on these factors in nutrition students. Nutrition graduate students from a faith-based university (n=45, 93% female) participated in an online survey that assessed experience, perceptions, attitudes, and self-efficacy related to research. All items were adapted from valid, reliable 5-point scales scored from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Overall students had neither positive nor negative attitudes regarding research being part of a dietitian’s role (3.60±0.72). Students agreed that RDs should apply research in practice (4.51±0.85), but were less likely to believe that RDs should conduct research (3.90±0.95). Students’ rated their research self-efficacy slight above neutral (3.83± 0.71). Students were most confident in their ability to collect data and to develop research questions and were less confident in their ability to consent subjects and analyze data. Students were somewhat confident in their ability to participate in evidence-based practice (3.82, ±0.73) and in their ability to engage in collaborative research (3.98±0.78). Overall students had neutral perceptions, attitudes, and self-efficacy related to utilizing and conducting research as a part of their future career. Future research should examine the potential for additional graduate level research courses or experiences to improve students’ perceptions, attitudes and self-efficacy related to utilizing and conducting research. This may encourage students to utilize and conduct research upon entering the workforce and may in turn improve patient health outcomes.