Who is the Nutrition Workforce in the Western Cape?

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the current nutrition staffing profile of the Integrated Nutrition Programme (INP) in Department of Health in the Western Cape; and establish whether it is adequate to meet the objectives of the INP. Method: Self-administered questionnaires compiled in eng were used as the main data collection instrument for nutrition staff in districts and at hospitals (n = 647). Eight individual questionnaires; one per staff category; were developed and utilised in the study. Results: Foodservice workers were the largest group of nutrition personnel (n = 509; 79); followed by dietitians (n = 64; 10); managers (n = 31; 5); auxiliary workers (n = 28; 4); and administrative workers (n = 15; 2). Sixty-two per cent of the nutrition workforce was located in urban areas and 38 in rural districts. Hospital and district dietitians experienced common problems; as well as specific differences. Regarding problems; both categories referred to limited resources; inadequate number of available posts; and lack of acknowledgement and support from administrative and supply chain management. District dietitians were also hampered by lack of space for consultations; poor referrals from doctors; insufficient posts for nutrition advisers; and difficulty in communicating with Xhosa-speaking patients. Hospital dietitians were hampered by insufficient interaction with district dietitians and lack of dietitians for specialised units.They also mentioned that poor salaries were affecting morale