Dietetic Interns' Perceptions About Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Counselling

Abstract

This qualitative study examined dietetic interns’ intention, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control related to physical activity counselling and their previous training in and perceptions of sedentary behaviour counselling. Nine female dietetic interns in Ontario were interviewed face-to-face or through Skype in 2018. The interview entailed questions and a vignette of an active, sedentary person. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed and thematic analysis was used. All participants intended to provide physical activity counselling in the future. Advantages (e.g., comprehensive health promotion and building rapport) and disadvantages (e.g., scope of practice and less focus on nutrition) to providing physical activity counselling were identified. All participants believed that health care professionals would approve of registered dietitians providing physical activity counselling. Common enablers and barriers to providing physical activity counselling were identified, such as minimal education and training in physical activity counselling and/or sedentary behaviour counselling in their undergraduate programs.