What Do Resident Physicians Know about Nutrition? An Evaluation of Attitudes, Self-Perceived Proficiency and Knowledge

OBJECTIVE: Despite the increased emphasis on obesity and diet-related diseases, nutrition education remains lacking in many internal medicine training programs. We evaluated the attitudes, self-perceived proficiency, and knowledge related to clinical nutrition among a cohort of internal medicine int...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2008-04, Vol.27 (2), p.287-298
Main Authors: Vetter, Marion L, Herring, Sharon J, Sood, Minisha, Shah, Nirav R, Kalet, Adina L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
clinical nutrition
Cohort Studies
curriculum
Feeding. Feeding behavior
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Internal Medicine - education
Internship and Residency
medical education
nutrition education
nutrition knowledge
Nutritional Sciences - education
patient education
Physicians
professional education
questionnaires
self-efficacy
Statistics, Nonparametric
Surveys and Questionnaires
Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
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Summary:OBJECTIVE: Despite the increased emphasis on obesity and diet-related diseases, nutrition education remains lacking in many internal medicine training programs. We evaluated the attitudes, self-perceived proficiency, and knowledge related to clinical nutrition among a cohort of internal medicine interns. METHODS: Nutrition attitudes and self-perceived proficiency were measured using previously validated questionnaires. Knowledge was assessed with a multiple-choice quiz. Subjects were asked whether they had prior nutrition training. RESULTS: Of the 114 participants, 61 (54%) completed the survey. Although 77% agreed that nutrition assessment should be included in routine primary care visits, and 94% agreed that it was their obligation to discuss nutrition with patients, only 14% felt physicians were adequately trained to provide nutrition counseling. There was no correlation among attitudes, self-perceived proficiency, or knowledge. Interns previously exposed to nutrition education reported more negative attitudes toward physician self-efficacy (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Internal medicine interns' perceive nutrition counseling as a priority, but lack the confidence and knowledge to effectively provide adequate nutrition education.
ISSN:0731-5724
1541-1087
DOI:10.1080/07315724.2008.10719702