RESUMO
Rise in lifestyle-related diseases including Diabetes and Cardiovascular disease has resulted in more physicians treating and advising patients regarding nutrition and beneficial nutritional modifications. To assess attitude to nutrition counseling and perceptions regarding nutrition knowledge, proficiency and nutrition education among GMU interns in various hospitals in the UAE. A questionnaire was developed with items spanning five domains including 'Attitude to nutrition counseling [10 items]', 'Perceptions regarding nutrition knowledge [10 items]', 'Perceptions regarding competencies in nutrition related areas [15 items]', 'Behavior with respect to nutrition [5 items]', 'Perceptions regarding nutrition education in the undergraduate medical curriculum [6 items] and Demographics [6 items]. Responses were on a likert-like scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree [1-5]. The questionnaire was validated by medical education faculty, physicians and nutritionists. Pilot testing was carried out on 3 medical graduates. Data collection from GMU interns in various hospitals is in progress. Preliminary analysis from 22 Interns shows very positive attitude and behaviour towards nutrition in health care. 'Nutrition counseling should be part of routine care by all physicians, regardless of specialty', 'I encourage patients to ask diet related questions', 'Physicians can have an effect on a patient's dietary behavior if they take the time to discuss the problem' [median score 4] and Nutrition counseling is not an effective use of my professional time [median score 2] suggest nutrition counseling is considered important. Regarding knowledge, all items received good scores except 'potential harmful interactions between medications and food/herbal supplements'. They feel confident regarding many nutrition-related competencies but are unsure of 'assessing fluid requirements based on activity and health'. However regarding nutrition education, interns feel much more nutrition education is needed during both basic medical sciences and clinical clerkships. Nutrition education relevant to personal health and well-being is also required [median score 4]