Nutrition education, knowledge, attitudes, and practices among physicians in hospitals in Malawi: A baseline cross-sectional study
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Date
2021-03-17
Authors
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Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Problem statement
It is estimated that poor diet, which has been shown to be responsible for many NCD’s, is
liable for 11 million deaths globally. In many sub-Saharan African countries, including Malawi,
the incidence of NCD’s is growing, and undernutrition, diabetes, overweight and obesity are
now diet-related diseases of public health concern. Medical doctors who are trusted
providers of healthcare, need to be knowledgeable and competent in nutrition-care as it
applies to health promotion, prevention and treatment of these chronic diseases. However,
there is limited information on medical nutrition education and knowledge among practicing
medical doctors as it relates to self-efficacy in nutrition care in Malawi.
2.1 Broad objective
To assess graduate doctors’ medical nutrition education, knowledge, attitudes and practices
regarding nutrition care in Malawi.
2.2 Specific Objectives
a. To evaluate the nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy of graduate
doctors
b. To determine the associations among Knowledge, Attitudes and Self-Efficacy
c. To compare nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy with level of clinical
training.
d. To provide baseline values to the key performance indicators outlined in the Performance
Measurement Framework.
e. To provide relevant and practical recommendations for improving nutrition training at
sub-national (district) and national level based on the gaps identified in the policies and
their implementation under the thematic area of Human Resources for Health. Methodology
The medical nutrition education KAP survey is a cross-sectional study conducted among 78
health care workers in Malawi public health service, from August 2020 to October 2020.
Hospitals will be purposively selected based on availability of medical doctors in those
facilities.
Results and dissemination
The medical nutrition education KAP survey is the first study of its kind in Malawi that will
contribute new information on the deficits in nutrition education in medical education in
Malawi and other related settings. The findings will facilitate future research and
implementation of targeted interventions to improve on any gaps in knowledge and practice
identified.
Primarily, the findings from this audit will be disseminated back to all involved departments
in l clinical services. Realizing that the results are to be of primary interest to all
departments, a presentation will be made to all clinical departments highlighting the key
findings. Results will also be disseminated through local (COM annual research
dissemination conference), regional and international scientific
meetings/conferences/seminars/workshops and by publication in peer-reviewed journals.
A copy of the final report and any ensuing publications will be submitted to the COMREC,
the College of Medicine Library, the Health Science Research Committee and the
University Research and Publication Committee
Description
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE