Using the “Rate Your Plate” questionnaire to teach nutrition changed medical student eating habits

Abstract

Over 56% of medical students across the US feel their nutrition related experiences are inadequate. Here we examined whether the addition of the “Rate Your Plate” questionnaire (RYP) (©2005 Brown University) during their second year fall integrated cardiovascular course, and knowledge of student personal 30 year risk of a cardiovascular event were useful in changing students’ eating behaviors. Thirty‐two students completed an unpublished 24‐item questionnaire (modified‐RYP ©2009 Brown University) about their eating habits in the spring of their first year. The same students then completed the questionnaire in the spring of their second year. Paired t‐test was used to analyze the difference in modified‐RYP scores. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for the Framingham 30‐year cardiovascular event risk and change in RYP score to examine whether risk knowledge may have changed eating habits. Mean scores at baseline and one year later were 57.19 and 58.97, respectively (Paired t‐test: P<0.01). Correlation coefficient between 30‐year relative risk and change in RYP score was ‐0.268 (ns). While medical students were eating healthy at baseline, introduction of the RYP questionnaire along with the nutrition curriculum during second year improved heart healthy eating habits. Surprisingly, knowledge of personal 30‐year cardiovascular event risk was not correlated with their change in RYP.