Changes in nutrition and dietetic research: A content analysis of the past decade of Dietitians Association of Australia conference abstracts

Abstract

Aim As a sample of research outputs supported by the nutrition and dietetics profession in Australia, the present study aimed to conduct a content analysis of Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) conference abstracts to identify themes, methods and contribution by geographical location over time. Methods Conference abstracts published during the period 2008‐2018 (excluding those from the International Congress of Dietetics in 2012) were obtained. Key outcome data including topics of research and methodological approach were extracted. Leximancer, a computer‐assisted content analysis program, was used in the development of concept maps. Thematic analysis was undertaken independently by two authors and consensus was obtained. Results A total of 2246 oral and poster presentation abstracts and 56 plenary abstracts were imported and synthesised. The most commonly utilised research designs were cross‐sectional studies and evaluation research. There was a significant increase in the proportion of systematic literature reviews, and a decreasing proportion of randomised controlled trials presented across the study period. Output was greatest from authors in Queensland and New South Wales. A clear spike in abstracts was observed for the host state across all years. Since 2015 concept maps appeared more interconnected, suggesting a trend for research focus towards integrated nutrition topics. Overarching themes for emerging research topics included Indigenous nutrition and the curriculum for dietetics education. Food/foods emerged as a theme across multiple research methods and in a wide range of contexts and settings. Conclusions The synthesis of findings suggests that research presented at the DAA conference is largely practice driven.

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