Acceptability of an Online Module Addressing Weight Bias: Perspectives and Attitudes of Undergraduate Health Students and Instructors

Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
22 November 2022

Abstract

Weight bias and discrimination are highly pervasive and harmful to Canadians with higher weights. Researchers and practitioners who deliver, evaluate, and advise on dietary and weight-related interventions may inadvertently perpetuate weight bias through their work; however, trainees in these fields rarely have access to weight bias education within their applied health programs. This study evaluated the acceptability of an online educational weight bias module developed for undergraduate students enrolled in health courses. The intervention included a pre-recorded 20-minute online module with prompts for reflection or discussion, a self-assessment quiz, as well as a separate module and range of resources for instructors. Overall, 211 students from applied health courses and 4 instructors completed an online survey querying the module’s delivery, impact, and relevance. Students agreed that the module provided useful information (82%), was easy to understand (97%), and was the right length (75%), but reported wanting more interactivity and engagement with the content. Instructors found the module engaging and useful and expressed interest in additional resources and support for weight bias education. Future research should explore the impact of weight bias education on students’ weight-related attitudes and perceptions as well as feasibility and relevance of online features such as multimedia tools.

Résumé

La discrimination et les préjugés par rapport au poids sont très répandus et néfastes pour les Canadiennes et Canadiens ayant un poids plus élevé. Les chercheurs et praticiens qui effectuent, évaluent et recommandent des interventions liées à l’alimentation et au poids pourraient, par inadvertance, perpétuer des préjugés par rapport au poids dans le cadre de leur travail. Toutefois, les apprenants dans ces domaines ont rarement accès à une formation sur les préjugés à l’égard du poids pendant leur programme de santé appliquée. Cette étude évaluait l’acceptabilité d’un module de formation en ligne sur les préjugés par rapport au poids conçu pour les étudiants de premier cycle inscrits à des cours dans le domaine de la santé. L’intervention comprenait un module en ligne préenregistré de 20 minutes avec des appels à réfléchir ou discuter, un questionnaire d’autoévaluation, ainsi qu’un module distinct et un éventail de ressources pour les formateurs. En tout, 211 étudiants suivant des cours sur la santé appliquée et 4 formateurs ont répondu à un sondage en ligne portant sur le déroulement, l’impact et la pertinence du module. Les étudiants ont indiqué que le module a fourni des renseignements pertinents (82 %), qu’il était facile à comprendre (97 %) et qu’il était d’une durée appropriée (75 %), mais ont dit souhaiter pouvoir interagir davantage avec le contenu. Les formateurs ont trouvé le module intéressant et utile. Ils ont fait part de leur intérêt pour des ressources supplémentaires et du soutien en matière de formation sur les préjugés par rapport au poids. Les recherches futures devraient explorer l’impact de la formation sur les préjugés à l’égard du poids sur les attitudes et perceptions des étudiants en la matière, ainsi que la faisabilité et la pertinence d’outils en ligne comme les outils multimédias.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

cover image Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Volume 84Number 1March 2023
Pages: 43 - 48
Editor: Naomi Cahill

History

Version of record online: 22 November 2022

Key Words

  1. weight bias
  2. online education
  3. nutrition education
  4. public health

Mots-clés

  1. préjugés par rapport au poids
  2. formation en ligne
  3. éducation à la nutrition
  4. santé publique

Authors

Affiliations

Amanda Raffoul PhD
Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Lesley Andrade MHSc, RD
School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
Rachel B. Acton PhD
School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
Kirsten M. Lee PhD
School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
School of Global Health, York University, Toronto, ON
Kathleen E. Burns PhD
School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
Katelyn M. Godin PhD
School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
Rhona M. Hanning PhD, RD, FDC
School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON

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