title: Dietitians' Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Peer Education in Nutrition.
abstract: Peer education (PE) has been used effectively in nutrition; however, research examining dietitians' attitudes regarding PE is lacking.
  
  
  
  An online survey was sent to a random sample of 1198 Dietitians of Canada members to assess attitudes regarding PE by practice area.
  
  
  
  A representative sample of dietitians by practice area and location was obtained (n = 229; 19%). Their total attitude score (TAS) was 226 ± 26 (mean ± SD) out of 295 (maximum). Community/public health dietitians had significantly higher TASs compared with clinical dietitians (234 ± 23 vs. 221 ± 27, respectively; P = 0.03). Dietitians believed PE to be most useful in community settings (P < 0.001), with cultural groups or adolescents (P < 0.001), and for healthy eating program goals (P < 0.001). The barrier most agreed with was limited financial resources, whereas the highest perceived benefits were social support and experience/employment for participants and peer educators, respectively. Overall, 63% agreed PE is an effective model, and 59% agreed that PE should be used more often in nutrition.
  
  
  
  Dietitians have a positive attitude towards PE, with community/public health dietitians having the most positive attitudes. Dietitians believe PE is useful with specific target populations and particular program goals/strategies; however, they could be challenged to consider PE in a greater variety of programs.
authors.affiliation: a Division of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College at Western University, London, ON.|b Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON.
authors.forename: Paula D N
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Dworatzek
authors.affiliation: a Division of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College at Western University, London, ON.
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stier
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004046:Dietetics / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D064686:Nutritionists / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult