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Purpose: NutriSTEP^® screens for nutritional risk in preschoolers (3–5 years of age). Availability has been limited to paper versions. The objective is to test reliability for Internet and Onscreen use. Methods: Two studies were conducted with parents in several Ontario Early Years Centres (Internet (n = 63)) and in the community and schools in Timmons, Guelph, and Ottawa, Ontario (Onscreen (n = 64)). Parents completed NutriSTEP^® either on paper or using Internet or Onscreen versions. Two weeks later, the alternate mode was completed. Reliability was assessed using Intraclass Correlations (ICC) and Pearson Correlations (PC) on total and attribute scores, Kappa coefficients (κ) for risk, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test for responses on individual questions. Results: For total scores, Internet and Onscreen ICCs were 0.94 and 0.91, respectively, with PCs of 0.89 and 0.84, respectively. Attribute scores were 0.69–0.91 (ICC) and 0.70–0.84 (PC) for Internet, and 0.81–0.92 (ICC) and 0.68–0.85 (PC) for Onscreen. κ amongst risk categories was 0.58 (P = 0.000) for Internet and 0.50 (P = 0.000) for Onscreen. For individual dichotomized questions, 5 of 17 (Onscreen and Internet) were excellent (κ > 0.75); 11 of 17 (Internet) and 9 of 17 (Onscreen) were adequate (0.40 < κ > 0.75); 0 of 17 (Internet) and 2 of 17 (Onscreen) questions were poor (κ < 0.4) in agreement between modes. Conclusions: Internet and Onscreen versions of NutriSTEP^® are reliable.

Purpose: To explore the meanings that dietitians associate with their role of mother and dietitian and how they translate into child-feeding practices. Methods: The ideological case-study approach of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, a qualitative research design, was utilized. A convenience sample of 3 dietitians was recruited from the faculty of a university nutrition department. Dietitians participated in semi-structured interviews that were voice-recorded and transcribed. Data were thematically organized and interpreted using the theory of Symbolic Interactionism. Results: Five themes were developed: the evolution of food-related practices, tensions between the role of dietitian and mother, mealtime interaction, integration of dietetic values in child-feeding practices, and the individuality of the mother. Dietitian mothers used various parenting styles when interacting with their children. Their beliefs about best practice in child-feeding correspond with the recommendations of their dietetic profession. Their perception of what it meant to be a good mother was influenced by their identity as a dietitian. Relevance to Practice: Dietitian mothers need to be aware of the influence of professional discourse; professional thoughts can influence personal thoughts and actions related to child-feeding practices. Further exploration of the topic including maternal and child-feeding practices from the child's perspective is warranted.

Objectif. L'objectif principal est de vérifier la perception qu'ont les étudiants en nutrition du Québec de l'avenir de la profession à partir d'incidents critiques qu'ils ont rapportés. Méthodes. Un questionnaire électronique a été envoyé aux 158 étudiants finissants en nutrition des trois universités du Québec offrant un programme de nutrition. La méthode des incidents critiques a été retenue comme méthode qualitative. Une grille de thèmes et sous-thèmes dégagés de l'analyse des incidents a été mise au point puis intégrée au logiciel Excel pour synthétiser les données. Résultats. Les incidents positifs étaient associés à la reconnaissance des autres professionnels et de la clientèle, à la prise de conscience des champs d'action de la profession et des occasions qui s'y rattachent, ainsi qu’à l'impact des interventions nutritionnelles. Les incidents négatifs touchaient principalement le manque de reconnaissance, la concurrence, la prise de conscience de possibilités d'emploi limitées, les conditions de travail et l'affirmation des diététistes par rapport à leur rôle. La plupart des incidents rapportés sont survenus en stage. Conclusions. Les compétences en leadership devraient être développées pour aider les diététistes à s'affirmer au sein des équipes de soins et sur la scène publique. Par ailleurs, les expériences de stage sont déterminantes dans le développement de l'image que se font les étudiants de la profession.

Purpose: We explored the characteristics of Ontario-based dietetic internship program applicants who were successful upon their first application attempt, and we made comparisons between those who were successful and unsuccessful on their first internship application attempt. Methods: A 32-item online survey was distributed to graduates from nutrition programs in Ontario and to members of the Dietitians of Canada Student Network, Toronto Home Economics Association, and Ontario Home Economists in Business. Data from a previous study examining the characteristics of unsuccessful internship applicants were obtained from the authors to compare the two groups. Results: Respondents (n = 76) were mostly female (97%), 20–25 years of age (67%), and had a previous degree (46%). Compared with those who were unsuccessful on their first internship application attempt, those who were successful had a significantly higher mean cGPA (3.69 ± 0.39 vs. 3.35 ± 0.41), were more likely to have a prior degree (46% vs. 29%), spent more time preparing their internship application package, and perceived their internship application packages to be stronger. Conclusions: Despite some differences, most applicants met the minimum cGPA requirement outlined by internship programs in Ontario. More internship opportunities can help increase the diversity and human potential in the dietetic profession.