Abstract
Introduction: The study identifies the perception of users in devolved in primary Health care (PHC) with regards to the role of nutritionists. This study also aims at acknowledging the importance of the nutritionist’s work for their health, and verifies their expectations in relation to it. Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were applied to users of Primary Health Care, under follow up or otherwise with the unit nutritionist. The interviews were transcribed and submitted to a discursive textual analysis. Results: The nutritionist was correctly associated to food, feeding and nutrition, although the boundaries of their function are subtle, suggesting a weak professional identity. The work developed has always been positively evaluated and recognized as important for the users’ health. The expectations related to the practice point to the need of humanized and integral care, including more actions for the collectivity – community and team work – in accordance with present health policies. Conclusions: To meet expectations and advance in the professionalization process it is necessary to listen and fulfill the demands, as well as assess the education process and daily practice, taking into account the new paradigms of primary care and health promotion. Keywords: Nutritionist, Primary Health Care, Perception, Narok County. DOI : 10.7176/JHMN/68-08 Publication date: November 30 th 2019
Highlights
The study identifies the perception of users in devolved in primary Health care (PHC) with regards to the role of nutritionists
Out of the 34 nutritionist currently the referral hospital has 7 nutritionist, meaning there is under staffing in that area
In seeking to identify how the respondents perceives the role of the nutritionist, there is agreement with the findings of Pauline Müller Pacheco and Maurem Ramos; this authors reported that the nutritionist: comes within the health sector, with the objective to work towards man feeding in their individual and collective levels
Summary
The study identifies the perception of users in devolved in primary Health care (PHC) with regards to the role of nutritionists. It has been purposefully developed to add value and create synergy to existing sectoral and other initiatives of government and partners It recognizes the need for multi-public and private sector involvement, and that hunger eradication and nutrition improvement is a shared responsibility of all Kenyans. Nutritionists in primary health care studies the perception of users and workers on the devolved Health systems in Kenyan referral hospital. A study in Narok referral hospital demonstrates that prevention and health promotion actions and the professional-user relationship were positively assessed, while access to health services, medication and professionals were negatively evaluated. The user in this study can be considered representative of this society, and, it is from their view that one should evaluate the acknowledgement of the fundamental aspects of the qualification of nutritionist this proves the relevance of understanding user perspective on the role of the nutritionists regarding their health
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