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1 – 10 of over 1000Mariette Abrahams, Lynn J. Frewer, Eleanor Bryant and Barbara Stewart-Knox
The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions and experiences of early adopters of the technology.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions and experiences of early adopters of the technology.
Design/methodology/approach
Registered dietitians (RDs) (n=14) were recruited from the UK, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Mexico and Israel. Six qualitative interviews and two focus groups were conducted online using a conference calling platform. Data were recorded, transcribed and thematically analyzed.
Findings
Early adopters of nutrigenomics (NGx) were experienced, self-efficacious RDs who actively sought knowledge of NGx through communication with one another and the broader scientific community. They considered NGx an extension of current practice and believed RDs had the skills to deliver it. Perceived barriers to widening the application of NGx were linked to skepticism among the wider dietetics community. Proliferation of unregulated websites offering tests and diets was considered “pseudoscience” and detrimental to dietetics fully embracing NGx. Lack of a sustainable public health model for the delivery of NGx was also perceived to hinder progress. Results are discussed with reference to “diffusion of innovation theory.”
Originality/value
The views of RDs who practice NGx have not been previously studied. These data highlight requirements for future dietetic training provision and more inclusive service delivery models. Regulation of NGx services and formal recognition by professional bodies is needed to address the research/practice translation gap. Further research is required to inquire as to the views of the wider dietetics profession.
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All dietitians working for the National Health Service within the community are graduates with a state registration in dietetics (SRD). The British Dietetic Association is our…
Elham Abbas Aljaaly and Nahlaa Khalifa
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the quality and sustainability of dietetic practice in the scope of anthropometry for adolescents at Jeddah hospitals care setting.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the quality and sustainability of dietetic practice in the scope of anthropometry for adolescents at Jeddah hospitals care setting.
Design/methodology/approach
An evaluation survey to define and critic dietetic practice concerning anthropometric assessment for adolescent group in Jeddah governmental and private operating hospitals with bed capacity of more than 150 beds and has at least four employed dietitians.
Findings
Only 10 percent of dietitians in Jeddah hospitals are members with the National Saudi Dietetic Association (SDA). Hospitals were mostly following international Standards of Practice (SOP) for anthropometry (60 percent), compared to national standards (10 percent). SOP is not unified or governed by the national organization body. Regularly (80 percent) of the practicing dietitians identify their individual scope of practice, the use of growth charts and reference data in assessing the growth status of their young clients. Similarly to other international countries, sustainability and resilience to all aspects of nutrition and dietetics practice should be ensured and maintained by SDA when guiding and standardizing all practices.
Originality/value
The study highlights the importance of standardizing the practice of anthropometric assessment among adolescent group. The study is also a call for the SDA to emphasize its role in governing and defining guidelines in all scopes of dietetics practice.
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Anne de Looy, Anastasia Markaki, Sofie Joossens, Aspasia Spyridaki and Vasiliki Chatzi
– The aim of this study is to describe placement learning opportunities for student dietitians related to future fields of work.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to describe placement learning opportunities for student dietitians related to future fields of work.
Design/methodology/approach
An online questionnaire determined the variety and duration of pre-qualifying practice placements across Europe. Responses from members of the Thematic Network DIETS2 in Europe (n = 39) were analysed.
Findings
A response rate of 61 per cent from 19 countries (39 higher education institutions or national dietetic associations) is reported. Four sub-types of placement are used by the respondents for pre-qualifying dietetic students. Placements are in public health, education and social care (28 per cent); clinical (27 per cent); catering (20 per cent) and others (25 per cent), including the food industry. Median number of weeks in the location was 12 for clinical settings; 5 for health, education and social care; 4.5 for in catering and up to 7 weeks in other locations.
Research limitations/implications
If dietitians and nutritionists are to contribute fully to Health 2020 and Europe 2020 agendas for improving the health of the workforce, which is fundamental to improve productivity and lessen absenteeism, then alerting them to diverse strategies and practical implementation as seen in practice is highly important. Developing competence, brought about by engaging in a diversity of practice-based learning, would enable dietitians to meet multidisciplinary and multidimensional roles required to improve European nutritional health.
Practical implications
Clear learning outcomes and competence statements are critical for guiding practice-based learning.
Originality/value
The diversity of locations of placements needs to be promoted and exploited by higher education for health improvement.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of dietitians who work as entrepreneurs.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of dietitians who work as entrepreneurs.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses examination of websites for professional dietitians, relevant literature and discussions with dietitians who work as entrepreneurs.
Findings
Dietitians in the USA are well established as entrepreneurs. The role is also established in the UK. There appear to be increasing opportunities for entrepreneurial dietitians.
Research limitations/implications
This is an examination of existing information in websites and publications, not an original survey.
Practical implications
Dietitians could consider entrepreneurial opportunities as a career.
Social implications
Dietitians have skills that could benefit both individuals and organisations. Offering these by entrepreneurial activities could provide positive benefits.
Originality/value
There appear to be few articles in the UK on entrepreneurial dietetics.
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Elif Inan-Eroglu and Zehra Buyuktuncer
In the age of information, where people can have an easy access to knowledge, the ethical and content-based examination of dietitians’ sharing in the social media is an important…
Abstract
Purpose
In the age of information, where people can have an easy access to knowledge, the ethical and content-based examination of dietitians’ sharing in the social media is an important step in determining what to share in the social media in the future. The purpose of this study was to analyse the content of Instagram shares of dietitians, a profession group that is becoming more and more widespread in Turkey.
Design/methodology/approach
Publicly available dietitian Instagram profiles, aiming specifically at those with =500 followers, were included in the study. The hashtag was chosen as #onlinediyet (Turkish for online diet). A total of 1,986 images were identified for analysis. When these images were identified, 883 images were excluded. Thus, overall 1,103 Instagram images were chosen to analyse during a week’s period. Each Instagram image was classified into one of seven categories by authors as food, individual, nutrition information, motivational, miscellaneous, physical activity and recipe. Food and individual groups were also coded into subgroups.
Findings
A descriptive analysis of the 1,103 online-diet-related images shared by dietitians showed that 53.5 per cent of the images were in food category. There were no differences between female and male dietitians in terms of categories of shared images (p > 0.05). Dietitians also shared individual images (34.5 per cent) including weight loss follow-up (56.2 per cent), self-portrait (22.0 per cent) and conversation with clients (14.0 per cent) images on Instagram.
Originality/value
The results of this study set a baseline for future studies. Given the rapid growth of this platform in recent years, not only the field of dietetics but also other health-care fields would benefit from clear guidelines about what information can or cannot be shared on social media.
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Neslihan Arslan and Eda Köksal
The goal of this narrative review was to look at the link between the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the telomere length. Furthermore, this study aims to understand the impact of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The goal of this narrative review was to look at the link between the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the telomere length. Furthermore, this study aims to understand the impact of the MD on obesity-related telomere length.
Design/methodology/approach
Relevant literature was reviewed to explore the potential influence of the MD on telomere length and its association with obesity.
Findings
The MD is one of the healthiest diets of all known dietary patterns, and it is also linked to the telomere length. Except for fruits and vegetables, the main findings for other MD components are inconsistent. In terms of antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, using the MD as a weight loss approach is a good method. For predicting changes in obesity characteristics, the initial telomere length is critical. However, there are not many studies in the field that have looked at the MD as a weight loss approach and its link to the telomere length. As a result, more research is needed to understand these connections in various groups.
Originality/value
This study is unique since it examines the MD, telomere length and obesity-related consequences. This study examines the MD, telomere length and obesity to determine if the MD can help lose weight while maintaining telomere length. As there are few studies on MD weight loss and telomere length, the work emphasizes the need for greater research in this area. This study fills a research gap and improves the understanding of nutrition, telomere biology and obesity-related outcomes.
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