"Are you eating healthy?" Nutrition discourse in Midwestern clinics for the underserved.

Stephanie M Curtis, Mary S Willis

Journal: Patient education and counseling 2017;99(10):1641-6

PMID: 27133919

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To investigate nutrition information provided and exchanged between patients and health providers in Midwestern clinics for underserved populations.

METHODS

Forty-six clinic visits were observed to determine content and direction of nutrition information. In-depth data were collected with clinicians and clinic administrators regarding nutrition education provided to patients.

RESULTS

All patients were diagnosed with multiple obesity-related morbidities. Although women more often posed nutrition questions, few patients asked about dietary intake. Two-thirds of healthcare professionals initiated discussion about dietary intake; however, nutrition education was not provided regardless of clinician's profession.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients did not appear to link morbidity with diet. Providers did not share comprehensive nutrition knowledge during clinic visits. Dietitians, who specialize in nutrition education, rarely had access to patients.

IMPLICATIONS

Nutrition education during clinic visits is essential for reducing obesity rates. Nutrition students need clinic experience and could provide important patient education at low cost.

Address: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.; University of Nebraska-Lincoln, United States.

DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2016.04.011

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MeSH Terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities, Counseling, Diet, Female, Health Education, Health Personnel, Humans, Medically Underserved Area, Nebraska, Nutritional Status, Obesity, Patient Education as Topic, Surveys and Questionnaires