Attitudes, knowledge, and problem-solving approach of Michigan dietitians about aging.
Dietitians' attitudes and knowledge about aging are important because of the potential influence on quality and quantity of nutrition services provided to older adults. Four instruments were used to survey active members of The American Dietetic Association (ADA) in Michigan. The survey was mailed to 1,408 dietitians; 738 responded (52.4%). The responding dietitians were predominantly under 40, well educated, and female, which was consistent with the 1986 national census of ADA members. The results indicated that dietitians hold positive attitudes toward older adults in most areas. An exception was that a majority of the dietitians perceived older adults as resistant to treatment. Although dietitians' knowledge about aging generally was adequate, the questionnaire revealed that dietitians lacked knowledge in the areas of economic and health status; dietitians answered that older adults have a lower income and are sicker and more institutionalized than is in fact true. These are critical areas of deficiency in knowledge by dietitians, since food and nutrition issues often involve money and health. In the problem-solving section of the study, the dietitians usually focused on one specific environment or area of concern. Neither the full range of all possible environments for older adults nor the diversity of older adults' needs was usually considered. Continuing education as well as comprehensive undergraduate courses on aging would have a positive influence on Michigan dietitians' attitudes and knowledge about aging.
Noel
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MM
Department of Family Practice, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
Ames
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BD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004046:Dietetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires