Citation
J. M., Hamid Jan and M. J., Siti Norsyaza and Y. H., Tan and Laura I., Bouwman
(2008)
Nutrigenomics: a survey on continuing education needs of registered
dietitians in Malaysia.
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 14 (2(supplement)).
S27-S28.
ISSN 1394-035X
Abstract
Nutrigenomics or diet-gene interactions have become the focus of much nutritional research
in recent years. However, little is known about Malaysian dietitians’ involvement and education
needs regarding nutrigenomics. The aim of this survey was to assess the awareness and continuing
education needs for registered dietitians regarding nutrigenomics. A validated questionnaire
was developed to assess involvement, knowledge, chances, barriers and continuing education
needs on nutrigenomics among Malaysian dietitians. The questionnaire was distributed to all
(n=90) registered dietitians who attended the Malaysian Dietitians’ Association Scientific Conference
in year 2007 which resulted in a 46% response rate (n=41). The majority of the respondents (91.5%)
graduated from local universities between the years 1988 to 2007. All respondents used information
on dietary pattern, lifestyle and body mass index for composing dietary advice. For the same
purpose, a high percentage of respondents (91.4%) used family history but only two respondents (5.7%) experienced relying on genetic tests. Although 85.7% of respondents are aware of
nutrigenomics, only 22.3% understood its definition. More than 80% of dietitians are interested in
learning and increase their knowledge on human genetics, nutrigenomics and ways to communicate
this knowledge to the public. Three highest barriers to the application of nutrigenomics are lack
of patient education materials (91.5%), lack of background knowledge among dietitians (85.7%)
and lack of continuing education for dietitians (80%). The most preferred learning activity for
continuing education was seminars. This survey revealed great interest among dietitians to increase
and update their knowledge on nutrigenomics. There is a need to include genetics and nutrigenomics
knowledge in the continuing education programmes for dietitians in Malaysia. This may help
dietitians to make informed decision about the possible use of nutrigenomics in their practice.
Download File
Additional Metadata
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
