Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Young Adults’ Essential Food Skills And Cooking Perceptions: A Mixed Method Study, Marcy Gaston, J. Mitchell Vaterlaus, Nicole Wanago

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Our purpose in this research study was to examine perceptions of food and nutrition educators (FNEs, i.e., Registered Dietitians Nutritionists and Family and Consumer Science teachers) and young adults (ages 18–25) on the status of cooking and food skills among young adults. Using a cross-sectional survey design, FNEs (n = 93) and college-attending young adults (n = 270) in the United States completed electronic surveys. The qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed using a convergent mixed-methods approach. The qualitative data from open-ended survey responses collected from young adults and FNEs were analyzed using coding reliability thematic …

Outcomes Of Virtual Diabetes Cook Along Classes, April Litchford, Jenna Dyckman, Cindy Jenkins, Andrea Schmutz, Carrie Durward

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

USU Extension Diabetes Cook Along classes provide diabetes education to the public while removing barriers to participation. These classes teach relevant topics through hands-on activities to increase participants’ ability to effectively self-manage their diabetes symptoms. Evaluation results show that participants experienced high satisfaction (86%) and substantial knowledge gain (92%) after the classes.

Public Policy And Advocacy In The Dietetics Curriculum: Challenges And Opportunities, Jessica Garay, Meghan Donnelly, Amy Herman, Kathryn Lawson, Sarah Martin, Leah Reed

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and other health professionals should be involved in advocacy efforts related to food access and health care. However, education about, and opportunities to actively participate in, public policy are often limited for dietetics students. The goal of this project was to identify how dietetics programs meet ACEND standards relating to public policy in their current and/or accredited program. Methods: An online survey was sent to dietetics faculty at U.S. higher education institutions. Survey questions focused on how programs currently meet ACEND standards for public policy or plan to meet standards in their dietetics program. Respondents were …

Incorporating Experiential Learning And Reflection Related To Sustainable Food Systems In Undergraduate Dietetics Courses, M Elizabeth (Beth) Miller, Kara Quigg, Cassidy Hanner, Iris Puthoff, Diana Cuy Castellanos

Journal of Dietetic Education

Objective: Knowledge and competence in sustainable food systems is a priority in dietetic programs and outlined in program accreditation standards and standards of practice for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). However, limited literature exists on how students are learning about sustainable food systems. The purpose of this study was to explore dietetic student experiences and perceptions after the inclusion of a farm-based experiential-learning activity. Methods: A qualitative approach was utilized to explore student reflections following their experiential-learning with sustainable food systems via university-based farms. Students completed sustainable food systems modules and completed five hours on the university farm. Students then wrote …

Student Perceptions Of An Undergraduate Nutrition Peer Mentoring Program, Sarah Hudnall, Rayanna Becker, Laura Meza Esparza, Sara Sanders, Ann Diker

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Peer mentoring programs help students navigate challenges and stressors in their undergraduate education. There is minimal research on the effectiveness of these programs in nutrition and dietetics. Objective: The objective was to explore the perceptions of student mentors and mentees in an undergraduate nutrition peer mentoring program. Design: This qualitative research study utilized thematic analysis of student reflection papers. One hundred students were contacted via email to provide consent to review reflection papers. Reflection papers were collected from 33 students: 11 mentees and 22 mentors. Papers were imported into NVivo qualitative analysis software and coded for themes. Participants: Thirty-three …

Challenges Of Competency Management For Dietetics Program And Internship Directors: An Application Of Design Thinking, David Gaviria, Elizabeth Chen

Journal of Dietetic Education

Objective: Dietetics education transitioned to competency-based education (CBE) in July 2022. Despite its benefits, managing competencies may be a challenging aspect of CBE for dietetics program and internship directors (PDIDs), yet it is unclear what specific aspects of competency management are difficult. Using design thinking, this study sought to capture the impact recent CBE implementation had on PDIDs by identifying specific pain points (i.e., challenges) related to competency management. The results of this work serve to document such pain points and may be used to generate solutions to address or eliminate the pain points. For example, this research can support …

Stakeholder Perceptions Of A Hybrid Competency-Based Education Program In Dietetics, Kristen Heitman, Stephanie M. Fanelli, Jennifer A. Garner, Kristen M. Roberts, Marcia Nahikian-Nelms, Julie Kennel, Christopher A. Taylor

Journal of Dietetic Education

As requirements for entry-level dietitians advance to the master’s degree level, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics has published a Future Education Model (FEM). At present, FEM utilizes Competency-Based Education (CBE) for optional program implementation at early adopter demonstration sites. A limited number of CBE programs exist within the field of dietetics, and there is little published literature on its use in this arena. The present study leverages focus groups with students and interviews with faculty and preceptors to evaluate use of a novel CBE program in dietetics and explore factors that facilitate or hinder implementation of …

Table Of Contents, Editors' Message, M Elizabeth (Beth) Miller, Diana Cuy Castellanos

Journal of Dietetic Education

No abstract provided.

Innovative Virtual Wellness Interventions At An Academic Medical Center: A Pilot Feasibility Study, Ritika Baweja, Michael Hayes, Aditya Joshi, Raman Baweja

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: There is generally a concerning likelihood of burnout in healthcare workers. Given the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers, our institution identified the need for wellness interventions to foster adaptive functioning and mitigate burnout. The purpose of this pilot project was to assess the feasibility of virtual holistic interventions like meditation, art, laughter therapy and dance and their impact on overall well-being of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs).

Methods: A series of 12 virtual sessions (art therapy, dance therapy, mindfulness-based practices/meditation and laughter therapy) were offered to providers over a 6-month period. Participants completed an online survey reporting …

Reducing Food Scarcity: The Benefits Of Urban Farming, S.A. Claudell, Emilio Mejia

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Urban farming can enhance the lives of communities and help reduce food scarcity. This paper presents a conceptual prototype of an efficient urban farming community that can be scaled for a single apartment building or an entire community across all global geoeconomics regions, including densely populated cities and rural, developing towns and communities. When deployed in coordination with smart crop choices, local farm support, and efficient transportation then the result isn’t just sustainability, but also increasing fresh produce accessibility, optimizing nutritional value, eliminating the use of ‘forever chemicals’, reducing transportation costs, and fostering global environmental benefits.

Imagine Doris, who is …

Validity-Reliability Of The E-Healthy Diet Literacy Scale In Turkish Adults, Sevil Karahan Yılmaz, Gunay Eskici, Osman Emir Sarac

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study aims to establish the validity-reliability of the Turkish version of adult e-Healthy Diet Literacy Scale and to determine its relationship with the Health Literacy Instrument Scale (short-form), the Digital Healthy Diet Literacy Scale, and participants’ characteristics. Material and Methods: Drawing on a methodological and descriptive design, this research was performed in two steps. It was conducted with 240 participants in the first step and 879 participants in the second step. The participants filled out the eHealthy Diet Literacy Scale, Health Literacy Instrument Scale (short-form), and Digital Healthy Diet Literacy Scale. The questionnaire form was sent to the …

Short-Term Improvement In Self-Perceived Knowledge And Weight Bias Following A 15-Week Course On Pediatric Obesity, Rosanna P. Watowicz, Harrine Ramesh

Journal of Dietetic Education

Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs)are an integral part of weight management teams; however, previous research indicates that RDNs may hold weight-related biases. Additionally, there may be a gap between what RDNs learn about weight management during their education and training and the competencies that RDNs should achieve before working in weight management. The objective of this study was to examine whether a 15-week graduate course on pediatric obesity led to a short-term increase in self-perceived knowledge of 13 Obesity Medicine Education Collaborative competencies, as well as a short-term decrease in weight bias. Nutrition graduate students enrolled in the course completed a …

Effectiveness Of Simulation-Based Learning On Clinical Competence In Dietetics Students: A Narrative Review, Claudia W. Scott, Rena Zelig, Diane L. Rigassio Radler

Journal of Dietetic Education

Clinical supervised practice experiences offered through dietetic internships have historically been among the most challenging to obtain. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the scarcity of these experiences and forced dietetics education programs to offer alternative experiences in the absence of direct patient care opportunities. Simulation-based learning experiences (SBLE) or objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE) are one method of providing these alternative options, and if effective, could be routinely incorporated into dietetics education. This review evaluates five original research articles to determine the effectiveness of simulation-based learning on perceived or observed clinical competence in dietetic students. The findings of the studies unanimously …

Dietetic Students’ Changes In Attitudes After Participating In Online Interprofessional Education, Kelly Jackson, Terri L. Kurz, Mary Marian

Journal of Dietetic Education

Interprofessional education (IPE) is an accreditation requirement and an important component of training for future registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and access to quality IPE is often limited in online programs. An online IPE module was developed to provide dietetics students the opportunity to build collaborative skills with students in other healthcare training programs. A research study was designed to answer the following research question: How and to what extent does participation in an online IPE module impact online dietetics students’ attitudes of interprofessional practice? Participants were dietetics students enrolled in an upper-division online dietetics course. Data gathered included a retrospective …

Undergraduate And Graduate Students’ Retrospective Perception Of Flipped Learning In Dietetics Curricula, Rachel L. Vollmer, Teresa Drake

Journal of Dietetic Education

Most studies investigating flipped learning fail to assess how student perceptions of flipped learning may change once the class is complete, and students have a chance to reflect on the experience. Follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the sustainability of the benefits from flipped learning among students and how they feel it prepares them, if at all, for future classes and/or their professional lives. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore how graduate and undergraduate dietetics students retrospectively perceive a course that used flipped learning 2 years after they completed the course. Two focus groups with undergraduate (n=5) …

The Impact Of A Graduate-Level Applied Research Course On Graduate-Level Nutrition Students’ Research-Related Perceptions, Attitudes, And Knowledge, Alexandria Caljean, Kaitlyn M. Eck

Journal of Dietetic Education

Nutrition professionals report low levels of research utilization and engagement. This study explored the associations between completion of an applied nutrition research (capstone) course and students’ research-related perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge. Nutrition graduate students at a university in Pennsylvania completed an online survey at the beginning and end of a semester. The survey assessed perceptions of research participation and application, attitudes regarding research, and self-efficacy for conducting research, engaging in evidence-based practice, and collaborating on research. Students in a capstone course (n=17) learned about applying research in the field and conducted a research project. Non-capstone students (n=11) were not in …

A Cross‐Sectional Survey Of Research Involvement And Interest Among Graduate Dietetics Students, Courtney Wedemire, Rebecca Brody, Joachim Sackey, Laura Byham-Gray

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Dietitians are not frequently participating in or leading research. Cultivating greater research interest and involvement starts with dietetics education, but little is known about dietetics students’ research involvement and interest. This study examines relationships between research involvement and interest among graduate dietetics students. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey design incorporating participant characteristic data, the Practice-Based Dietitian Research Involvement Survey (PBDRIS), and the modified Interest in Research Questionnaire (IRQ) tools; 89 of 327 (27.2%) graduate dietetic students from 3 US universities were included. Participant characteristics, PBDRIS scores, and IRQ scores were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Relationships between variables …

Table Of Contents, Editors' Message, Editorial Board, Diana Cuy Castellanos, M. Elizabeth Miller

Journal of Dietetic Education

No abstract provided.

Wellness Review 2022, Part 2, Martin Huecker, Brian A. Ferguson, Jacob Shreffler

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Similar to prior reviews, the Journal of Wellness editors searched the literature from the second half of 2022 for an interesting and impactful selection of publications on wellness in healthcare professionals.

Methods: Editors conducted a standard keyword search in Pubmed, focusing chiefly on large journals, interventional trials, and other prospective research. We included papers published between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.

Literature in Review: Finding several hundred publications, we excluded editorials, reviews, and some smaller, less generalizable papers. A final 25 significant studies focusing on wellness in medical professionals were sorted into the following categories: logistics, creativity …

A Two-Day Virtual Workshop On The Micronutrient-Directed Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam For Ghanaian Nutrition Professionals: Examining Perceived Self-Efficacy And Innovation, Leah Anne Qubty, Freda Intiful, Andrea Arikawa, Leslie Van Horn, Lauri Wright

Journal of Dietetic Education

Micronutrients are key components of various physiological processes. In Ghana, micronutrient deficiencies are common and medical resources are limited. Biochemical markers of nutrition status are costly and require specialized medical equipment. In the absence of available biochemical markers of nutrition status, the micronutrient-directed nutrition-focused physical exam is a viable tool. This mixed-methods research aimed to determine whether a two-day virtual workshop for Ghanaian nutrition professionals (N=131) would improve perceptions regarding the usefulness and self-efficacy of the micronutrient-directed nutrition-focused physical exam. Quantitative data were collected via a virtual pretest (immediately prior to the workshop) and a virtual posttest (immediately following the …

Salary Negotiation Among Dietetics Professionals: Lived Experiences And A Three-Pronged Approach To Advancing Negotiation Skills And Confidence, Leila M. Shinn, Suzi Hinck, Lisa Jones, Katie Goldberg, Adrien B. Paczosa, Erin M. Mckinley

Journal of Dietetic Education

There is a lack of tools and training to assist in salary and benefit (S&B) negotiations within the nutrition profession. This study is the first to analyze thoughts, feelings, and experiences with S&B negotiations among nutrition and dietetics professionals. The 32-item, web-based, cross-sectional survey study was completed by English-speaking individuals of any gender who identified as a “nutrition and dietetics professional,” were 18 years of age or older in the United States or US Territory. Participant demographics, experience, confidence, and success with negotiation of S&B, value of negotiation, and interest in learning more were the primary outcome measures determined before …

Integration Of Disability Studies And Culinary Instruction Into Nutrition Curriculum Development, Joanne Sullivan, Regina Subach, Janice Goldschmidt

Journal of Dietetic Education

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is currently promoting the advancement of cultural humility as a means for nutritional professionals to better appreciate the lived experience and identities of others as well as the power dynamics that create health inequalities. At the same time, the Academy has struggled to advance services to underserved populations such as those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and autism spectrum disorder. Here the authors argue that both goals can be achieved by involving nutrition students in the teaching of food preparation skills to individuals with IDD. Dietetic students emerge with an enhanced understanding of …

Navigating The Adoption Of Interprofessional Education As A Performance Standard In Dietetics Education, Paige Whitney, Mary Ann Kluge

Journal of Dietetic Education

Abstract: The purpose of this collective case study was to explore the diffusion of interprofessional education (IPE) in response to specific Future Education Model (FEM) Graduate Program accreditation standards and performance indicators. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 12 FEM program directors from geographically diverse US states. Website and document review were triangulated with the interview data, and Roger’s Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) was used as a theoretical framework to add dimension to the study. Three themes emerged from analysis: 1) Accreditation standards are not the driving force of IPE; 2) Program Directors can serve …

Exploring Dietary Patterns With The Rapid Eating And Activity Assessment For Patients (Reap) Tool In A Dental School Clinic, Katherine Wiley, Rena Zelig, Hamed Samavat, Diane Rigassio Radler

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Dietary pattern assessment by healthcare providers leads to a better understanding of usual intake and evaluation of nutritional status, systemic health, and disease. Interprofessional team members can use such information to provide interventions leading to improved health outcomes. Objective: The aim was to explore the dietary patterns of adults seen in a dental clinic using the Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Patients (REAP) tool. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of data from 220 adult patients (aged 18-89 years) who had a diet evaluation completed in a dental school clinic. Demographic information and REAP responses were obtained from …

Table Of Contents, Editors' Message, Editorial Board, Diana Cuy Castellanos, M. Elizabeth (Beth) Miller

Journal of Dietetic Education

No abstract provided.

Reducing The Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness In Box Elder County, April Litchford

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Targeted efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in Box Elder County provided education and resources to identify and treat individuals suffering from these issues. Utah State University Extension’s efforts to address mental health reached thousands of individuals and generated new partnerships with county organizations.

Telemedicine And Healthcare Implications For Central Virginia: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Patricia A. Lynch, Charletta H. Barringer-Brown, Daniel N. Brown, Taneisha D. Brown

Journal of Research Initiatives

Background: Uncertainties and challenges associated with COVID-19 have affected the efficient delivery of health care in Central Virginia. Integrating and redesigning health systems could boost the quality and efficiency of care delivery. Telemedicine has been suggested as a viable solution to increase virtual access to patient advocacy healthcare education and training programs and has the potential to help facilitate the delivery of health services to rural and remote areas. It is projected that access to quality telehealth services can minimize the need for in-person hospital visitation amid the pandemic. The innovation also facilitates remote assessment of patients and monitoring of …

Fad Diets: Professional Development Needs Among Nutrition Agents In Select Southern States, Abigail P. Mcalister, Vicky L. Green, Simone Camel, Mary C. Fontenot, Janet F. Pope

The Journal of Extension

Because FCS agents teach communities about dietary guidelines, it is important that they are aware of the latest nutrition research. This study assessed FCS agents’ knowledge of popular fad diets (low-carbohydrate, intermittent fasting, detoxes and cleanses) and their potential adverse effects, and its relationship among location, certifications, years of experience, professional association memberships, and education. Agents in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi were emailed a survey. RDN, DTR, and CHES certifications had significant associations (p = 0.03) with knowledge of adverse effects of fad diets. Agents who hold these credentials may have more knowledge about adverse effects of fad diets.

Effect Of Different Diet Methods On Body Composition And Insulin, Leptin, And Ghrelin Levels In Overweight Women, Begum Sarica, Gulbin Rudarli Nalcakan, Ece Onur

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. This study aims to compare the effects of similar calorie-restricted intermittent overnight fasting diet (OFD) and frequent-meal diet (FMD) on body composition and insulin, leptin, and ghrelin levels in overweight women. Materials and Methods: While the FMD was administered as six mealtimes, the OFD was administered as five mealtimes and at least 12 hours overnight fasting for four weeks. Some parameters regarding the metabolic rate and fat metabo-lism (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, ghrelin levels), body composition, resting metabolic rate, and physical activity level were measured before and after the diet. Results: There was no sig-nificant difference in the resting …

Student Pharmacists’ Emotional Responses And Coping During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Hannah E. Johnson, Deaundre Bumpass, Aric Schadler, Jeffrey Cain

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Health professions students, including student pharmacists, have been impacted by the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19 pandemic) as schools have transitioned to remote learning and cancelled milestone events. During times of crises, media consumption and hobby participation also impact well-being. The adverse emotional responses and coping strategies of student pharmacists amidst the COVID-19 pandemic have not been evaluated, nor have factors that may contribute to emotional responses. The purpose of this study is to determine Doctor of Pharmacy students’ emotional responses and coping precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the influence of media use, working status, and participation in hobbies. …