Registered Dietitians' Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices Regarding Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Counselling in Both

Date

2019-04-08

Authors

Huntington, Jessica F.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Guelph

Abstract

This study examined counselling behaviour, intentions, attitude, perceived norms, self-efficacy, facilitators/barriers, and knowledge regarding physical activity and sedentariness among 20 registered dietitians (RD) in family health teams (FHT) in Ontario. Qualitative interviews and self-report questionnaires were used. Thematic analysis indicated that all participants counselled patients on physical activity, and many on sedentariness, both with moderately high confidence. There were positive and negative attitudes regarding counselling effectiveness. Most participants perceived all health care professionals should counsel on both topics. Barriers included knowledge, scope of practice, and lack of physical activity expert on FHT, whereas facilitators were FHT dynamics and time. Participants had good knowledge of physical activity and sedentariness and a positive attitude toward physical activity and non-sedentariness. Quantitative analysis indicated they had moderate-to-high physical activity levels and were fairly sedentary. More education and increased collaboration across all HCPs is needed to further facilitate counselling on both topics.

Description

Keywords

physical activity, sedentary, dietitians, counselling, integrative model of behavioural prediction, knowledge, attitude, behaviour

Citation