Service-Learning Through Community-Based Nutrition Teaching Equips Medical Students With Sustained Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, and Habits

Abstract

Introduction Nutrition education and counseling are critical to patient health. Primary care physicians are positioned to provide this counseling; however, due to a lack of nutrition education, many physicians-in-training lack these skills. This study evaluates the knowledge and self-efficacy of Keck School of Medicine (KSOM) of University of Southern California (USC) Primary Care Program (PCP) medical students after leading community-based nutrition classes. Methods First-year PCP KSOM students completed a survey immediately after teaching nutrition classes (Phase I: Spring 2017-Spring 2020) and 1-4 years after teaching (Phase II: August 2021). Open-ended responses were coded thematically, and descriptive data were analyzed in Qualtrics. Results There were 93 phase I respondents; however, not everyone answered every question. Among 45 question respondents, students reported learning about macronutrients (29%), portion sizes (16%), glycemic index (15%), and metabolic syndrome (12%). Among 57 question respondents, 49% reported having knowledge to now counsel patients about nutrition. There were 60 phase II respondents. Students reported sustained, increased nutrition knowledge (88%) and confidence (85%) from baseline, and making healthy personal dietary changes. Discussion It is important for physicians-in-training to gain nutrition education early in their career. This training can benefit student knowledge, behavior change, confidence, and their future patients through counseling.