Knowledge, attitude and practices about nutrition among resident physicians in a tertiary hospital: A cross-sectional study.
- Author:
Novilyn M. VILLANUEVA
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article, Original
- Keywords: Nutrition
- MeSH: Human; Residency; Internship And Residency; Malnutrition
- From: Journal of the Philippine Medical Association 2024;103(1):19-27
- CountryPhilippines
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Abstract:
In the Philippines, the escalating double burden of malnutrition necessitates an exploration of healthcare professionals' nutrition proficiency. This study aims to evaluate the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices of resident physicians, providing insights into areas that may require enhancement in their nutrition-related competencies. This study aims to assess Resident Physician's knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding nutrition. Employing a descriptive, cross-sectional prospective design, the study surveyed resident physicians working at a tertiary government hospital from January 2021 to March 2023. Data collection utilized self-administered questionnaires, incorporating structured and open-ended questions. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis, with frequencies, percentages, and means presented. The Kruskall-Wallis test, chi-square test and Correlation Phi Coefficient were employed for statistical comparisons. This pioneering exploration among 97 resident physicians underscores their strong recognition of fundamental nutritional aspects. Knowledge levels varied from moderate (61.9%) to excellent (32.9%), with a minority having poor knowledge (5.2%). A significant relationship between years of residency and knowledge (p value= 0.01 Kruskall Walis, 0.029 Chi square), along with a strong relationship correlation was observed. The connection between attitude and practice to years of residency was less pronounced. Findings reveal knowledge gaps and potential disparities between attitudes and practices across different year levels, offering insights for tailored educational interventions and future research. The study underscores the imperative for targeted interventions to strengthen nutrition education among resident physicians. It signifies bolstering nutrition education to advance better patient care.