Study Title
Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Barriers Among Healthcare Professionals Regarding Nutrition and Dietary Supplementation
Principal Investigator
Sumantra Ray
Affiliation
NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health
Start Date
January 2025
End Date
September 2025
Study Objective
To assess HCPs’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, and loyalty (behavioural intention) regarding nutrition and supplementation, and to identify gaps and barriers to effective implementation in clinical care.
Short Abstract
Background: Poor diet is a major global health risk, yet nutrition education for healthcare professionals (HCPs) remains limited, leading to variable confidence and competence in providing nutrition and dietary supplement advice.
Objective: To assess HCPs’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, and loyalty (behavioural intention) regarding nutrition and supplementation, and to identify gaps and barriers to effective implementation in clinical care.
Methods: A 67-item electronic KAPL survey was distributed to HCPs via professional networks and social media. Eligible respondents included physicians, nutritionists, dietitians, allied health practitioners, mental health professionals, and researchers with clinical experience. Outcomes across professional groups were analysed with t-tests and ANOVA (p<0.05).
Results: 52 HCPs completed the survey (Nutritionists/Dietitians = 40.4%; Physicians = 19.2%; Other = 40.4%). Mean knowledge scores were highest among Nutritionists/Dietitians (70.7%, SD = 15.2) and lowest among Other (47.8%, SD = 21.3). Attitudes toward nutrition were positive (M = 4.19/5, SD = 0.43), but practice scores varied, with Nutritionists/Dietitians (M = 4.20, SD = 0.70) higher than Physicians (M = 3.66, SD = 0.57) or Other professionals (M = 3.59, SD = 0.65). Key knowledge gaps were in biochemical thresholds for micronutrient deficiencies. Barriers included conflicting guidelines, time constraints, and affordability concerns.
Conclusion: While HCPs recognise the importance of nutrition and supplementation, significant knowledge gaps—particularly on diagnostic thresholds—limit effective practice. Tailored, concise, evidence-based resources may help bridge these gaps and support consistent, confident nutrition counselling.
Study Design
Cross-sectional survey
Population
Healthcare professionals from various disciplines (physicians, nutritionists/dietitians, allied health, mental health, researchers).
Sample Size
52 participants
Inclusion Criteria
Healthcare professionals with clinical experience who completed the KAPL survey.
Exclusion Criteria
Not specified
Intervention/Exposure
Nutrition and supplementation knowledge, attitudes, practices, and behavioural intentions.
Outcome Measures
Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Loyalty (behavioural intention) regarding nutrition and supplementation.
Funding Source
HEIGHTS
Collaborating Institutions
Not specified
Ethics Approval
Not specified
Publication Status
Not published
Keywords
Healthcare professionals (HCPs), Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), Dietary supplementation, Clinical knowledge gaps
Data Collection Methods
Electronic survey (67-item KAPL questionnaire), statistical analysis with t-tests and ANOVA.
Primary Data Availability
Not available
Contact Information