Dataset Information

Is there enough behaviour change science in nutrition and dietetics curricula in Australia and New Zealand? A descriptive study.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

The application of behaviour change science is fundamental to the role of dietitians. This study aimed to describe how behaviour change science is embedded within the curricula of accredited/registered dietetics programs in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

A descriptive study triangulated quantitative document analysis of curricula content from university websites (Part 1) with qualitative, structured interviews with dietetics academics (Part 2). Part 2 verified and advanced upon information captured in Part 1 and was analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Twenty-five courses from 18 university programs (15 Australia and 3 New Zealand) were synthesised. Fifteen interviews (12 Australia, 3 New Zealand) were conducted. Behaviour change science was taught and assessed at varying levels across all programs. It was taught primarily within lectures or workshops where students apply skills learnt in practical case-based activities, and assessed through small group education planning or demonstrating communication and counselling skills. Five themes were identified from the interviews: (1) behaviour change science should be foundational; (2) integrate and scaffold within curricula; (3) structural limitations within curricula; (4) challenging for students and (5) recommendations for competencies.

Conclusion

Behaviour change science is clearly of value to the dietetics profession. Core content appears to be embedded across all university programs; however, the level and depth of the content varied. The knowledge gained from this study provides direction for curricular improvements.

SUBMITTER: Rigby RR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9787841 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Is there enough behaviour change science in nutrition and dietetics curricula in Australia and New Zealand? A descriptive study.

Rigby Roshan R RR Williams Lauren T LT Ball Lauren L Hamilton Kyra K Mitchell Lana L

Nutrition & dietetics : the journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia 20211004 5

<h4>Aim</h4>The application of behaviour change science is fundamental to the role of dietitians. This study aimed to describe how behaviour change science is embedded within the curricula of accredited/registered dietetics programs in Australia and New Zealand.<h4>Methods</h4>A descriptive study triangulated quantitative document analysis of curricula content from university websites (Part 1) with qualitative, structured interviews with dietetics academics (Part 2). Part 2 verified and advanced ...[more]

PMID: 34605593

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Dataset Information

Is there enough behaviour change science in nutrition and dietetics curricula in Australia and New Zealand? A descriptive study.

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Is there enough behaviour change science in nutrition and dietetics curricula in Australia and New Zealand? A descriptive study.

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