Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of registered dietitians in South Africa regarding eating disorders
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Date
2018-12
Authors
Molenaar, Carla Y.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Eating disorders, including disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder (among others), are coined as some of the most difficult and frustrating conditions for healthcare practitioners to deal with. Despite the relatively low percentage of the population suffering from an eating disorder, it remains one of the psychiatric conditions with the highest mortality rate. Both black and white ethnic groups have been found equally at risk for developing the disease. Little is known regarding the aetiology, onset, pathology, and treatment of the condition within a South African context. Dietitians are widely seen as an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team and treatment of patients suffering from eating disorders. However, little formal training is provided in order to provide dietitians with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to treat a patient with an eating disorder successfully. It is also been proven that the negative attitudes of practitioners towards patients with eating disorders as well as the misconceptions taken for truth may hamper treatment outcomes of the condition. The main aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of registered dietitians in South Africa regarding eating disorders. The researcher mainly focused on anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. In order to achieve the aim of the study, the researcher developed an electronic questionnaire with questions compiled from literature regarding diagnosis, pathology and treatment of eating disorders. After ethical clearance was obtained, an invitation was sent to participants (by means of dietetic associations’ newsletters and social media platforms) inviting South African dietitians to participate in the study and complete the online questionnaire. In order to investigate participants’ attitudes towards patients with eating disorders, dietitians were given statements regarding eating disorders and were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement. Multiple choice questions were asked to test knowledge. A total of 85 dietitians responded. Most dietitians responded positively to most of the attitude statements with a mean of 56% of statements. However, respondents held a more negative view towards treating patients suffering from eating disorders. Knowledge regarding eating disorders was poor with none of the participants achieving the 70% mark needed to be considered as having good knowledge. Knowledge lacked mainly regarding diagnostic criteria, which was followed by pathology. Knowledge regarding treatment fared the best, but still showed poor results. Overall, South African dietitians showed poor knowledge in the field of eating disorders but neutral to slight positive attitudes towards patients suffering from eating disorders despite a large portion of participants still holding some misconceptions regarding the condition. Due to the complex nature of the disease and the intensive training needed to treat patients with eating disorders competently, the researcher recommends that dietitians be allowed to specialise in the treatment of eating disorders via a formal training programme. This will ensure that patients receive optimal treatment for their condition.
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Keywords
Dissertation (M.Sc. (Dietetics))--University of the Free State, 2018, Eating disorders, Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa, Nutrition therapy, Knowledge, Attitudes, Counselling models, Nutrition counselling, Dietitian