Registered Dietitians’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviour Related to Physical Activity and Sedentariness
Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
15 December 2020
Abstract
Purpose: To explore knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour related to physical activity (PA) and sedentariness among registered dietitians (RDs) in family health teams in Ontario.
Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study utilized a semi-structured interview guide to conduct qualitative interviews with 20 RDs. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess personal PA (short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and sedentary behaviour (Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire).
Results: Thematic analysis indicated that, in general, participants had good knowledge of PA and sedentariness. They were knowledgeable about the PA guidelines. They had positive attitudes toward PA and nonsedentariness, stating that both are important in the prevention and treatment of chronic conditions. Quantitative analysis indicated they had moderate-to-high PA levels and were fairly sedentary.
Conclusions: This study supports the position that RDs can serve as excellent role models for PA. Though participants had basic knowledge, RDs may benefit from additional education regarding PA and sedentariness when counselling.
Résumé
Objectif. Explorer les connaissances, attitudes et comportements associés à l’activité physique (AP) et à la sédentarité chez les diététistes d’équipes de santé familiale en Ontario.
Méthodes. Dans le cadre de cette étude transversale descriptive, on a eu recours à un guide d’entrevue semi-structurée pour mener des entrevues qualitatives auprès de 20 diététistes. Des questionnaires autoadministrés ont été utilisés pour évaluer l’AP (version courte du questionnaire international sur l’activité physique [IPAQ]) et le comportement sédentaire (questionnaire sur le comportement sédentaire) personnels.
Résultats. L’analyse thématique a indiqué qu’en général, les participants avaient de bonnes connaissances de l’AP et de la sédentarité. Ils avaient également de bonnes connaissances des lignes directrices en matière d’AP. Ils avaient une attitude positive à l’égard de l’AP et de la non-sédentarité, affirmant que les deux sont importants pour la prévention et le traitement des maladies chroniques. L’analyse quantitative a indiqué qu’ils avaient des niveaux d’AP modérés à élevés et qu’ils étaient plutôt sédentaires.
Conclusions. Cette étude appuie le point de vue selon lequel les diététistes peuvent servir d’excellents modèles en matière d’AP. Bien que les participants aient des connaissances de base, il pourrait être bénéfique pour les diététistes qui offrent du counseling de recevoir de la formation additionnelle sur l’AP et la sédentarité.
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Sources of financial support: None.
Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Published In
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Volume 82 • Number 1 • March 2021
Pages: 45 - 48
Editor: Naomi Cahill
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Version of record online: 15 December 2020
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© 2021.
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JessicaHuntingtonMSc, John J.M.DwyerPhD, SaraShamaBASc, and PaulaBrauerPhD. 2021. Registered Dietitians’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviour Related to Physical Activity and Sedentariness. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research.
82(1): 45-48. https://doi.org/10.3148/cjdpr-2020-029
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