Public perceptions of dietetics services in Australia and New Zealand

• Published in: Nutrition & dietetics 2024-11, Vol.81 (5), p.480-496
• Main Authors: Forsyth, Adrienne, Beck, Eleanor, Kruger, Rozanne, Pelly, Fiona, Wall, Clare, Boak, Rachel, Allman‐Farinelli, Margaret
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; attitudes; Australia; blood; chi-square distribution; Cross-Sectional Studies; cross‐sectional survey; dietary services; Dietetics; Dietitians; Female; Humans; labor force; Male; Middle Aged; New Zealand; Nutritional status; Nutritionists; patient satisfaction; perceptions; Public Opinion; surveys; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1446-6368; 1747-0080; 1747-0080
• DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12899

Aim The aim of this study was to examine expectations, perceptions and attitudes about dietetics services among the Australian and New Zealand public, to provide insights for building a future dietetics workforce that will meet consumer needs. Methods A cross‐sectional, anonymous, online survey was employed to gain perspectives of a representative sample of Australian and New Zealand adults. Questions were purposely designed to collect views regarding sources of dietary information, expectations of dietetics service providers and factors influencing choice of dietetics service provider. Data were analysed descriptively and using Pearson's chi‐square test to assess relationships between categorical variables. Free‐text responses were analysed using content analysis. Results Of 2601 respondents, approximately one third (32%) had seen a dietitian. Doctors were the most trusted sources of dietary information (87%), particularly with participants over 60 years (χ(1) = 44.168, V = 0.130, p