Gender and attitudes toward nutrition in prospective physicians.
OBJECTIVE
To examine gender differences in attitudes towards nutrition therapy within first- and fourth-year medical students.


METHODS
Participants (n = 128) completed a computer self-administered questionnaire assessing attitudes towards nutrition therapy.


RESULTS
Analysis of covariance revealed that females report significantly more positive attitudes toward nutrition than males do, controlling for age. The magnitude of the difference was the same in beginning and graduating medical students.


CONCLUSIONS
Gender differences in attitudes towards nutrition are not moderated by medical school socialization. Standardized nutrition education may be required to address disparities in knowledge, attitudes, and efficacy with regard to nutrition and preventive care measures.
Schulman
Jessica A
JA
University of Florida, College of Health Professions, Gainesville, FL 32611-8210, USA. mnt@ufl.edu
Karney
Benjamin R
BR
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044623:Nutrition Therapy; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012737:Sex Factors; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires