“Right diet for the right person”: a focus group study of nutritionist-dietitians’ perspectives on nutritional genomics and gene-based nutrition advice

Abstract

Advances in nutritional genomics are intended to revolutionize nutrition practice. A basic understanding of nutritional genomics among nutritionist-dietitians is critical for such advancements to occur. As a precedent to the development and integration of gene-based nutrition advice, this study aimed to assess hospital-based nutritionist-dietitians’ perceptions of nutritional genomics. A total of ten focus group discussions (FGDs) with sixty-one registered nutritionist-dietitians (RNDs) from hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR), Philippines, were conducted from October to November 2019. Data were collected using a pretested semistructured discussion guide, and thematic analysis was subsequently performed. Diverging perceptions about nutritional genomics were noted among the FGD participants. Five themes emerged relating to the enablers and barriers of gene-based nutrition advice: training and capacity building, the extent of information to be disclosed, cost, ethical considerations, and government support. Themes related to the desired features of the gene-based nutrition advice included being consent-driven, cost-effective, technology-oriented, and guided by standards. The results of this study suggest that training and continued learning will equip RNDs to provide nutrition advice based on genetic information. However, other factors, such as cost and ethical considerations, are critical dimensions that need to be acknowledged and addressed before integrating gene-based advice into nutrition practice.

Association of Current Knowledge, Involvement and Confidence Levels on Gene-Based Nutrition Services among Nutrition Workers in Indonesia

“…The knowledge of productive age nutrition workers (25-34 years) about gene-based nutrition services is low. This is in line with previous research that nutritionists in the United States, Australia, and England have low knowledge (average knowledge score 56.3%) in gene-based nutrition services 13…”

“…Nutrition workers must prepare themselves to be able to compete and develop their competencies. Therefore, nutrition workers need to have a good role in understanding and translating genomic aspects into useful and relevant nutritional advice [12][13][14] . Therefore, this present study focuses on examining the relationship between knowledge about gene-based nutrition services and the involvement and self-confidence of nutrition workers in Indonesia.…”

“…Nutrition workers who have high knowledge about gene-based nutrition services are twice as likely to have high confidence in providing gene-based nutrition services (p=0.001; PR=2.0; 95% CI=1.3-2.9). Some studies report that the low knowledge and self-confidence of nutrition workers and dietetics students regarding nutritional genomics requires professional development or formal postgraduate training 8,13,18,20 . Besides, previous surveys in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom indicate low knowledge of gene-based nutrition services and lack of confidence in incorporating this knowledge into practices 13 .…”

Development and psychometric evaluation of nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition-related knowledge, attitude, and behavior questionnaire in dietetic students and professionals

“…Furthermore, the data revealed perceived apprehensions regarding the lack of transparency in ethical regulations for safeguarding an individual's genetic data, limited access to context and disease-speci c nutritional care guidelines for advancing evidence generation and clinical counseling practices, and most importantly, a gap between current and expected competencies of the participants in PN due to the complex, rapidly evolving and multifaceted approaches that underpin the science of nutritional genomics, genotype-based PN and evidence regarding genetic variants that may alter dietary and health outcomes. While some of these perceived barriers have been reported in previous studies conducted in the US, Europe, and Australia [7], [10], [30], [31], the ndings of our study provide a unique stakeholder perspective to the ongoing deliberations and discussions in India around the transition of dietetic practice from conventional phenotype and lifestyle-based individualizations to genetic information-based personalization of dietary advice.…”

“…As such, only a few studies have investigated the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals regarding the applications of nutrigenomics in clinical practice. These studies were conducted in relatively smaller sample sizes [7], [10], [30], with the intent to compare the variables between different groups of professionals [13] or were in the context of prevention and management of NCDs [4], [32], [33]. None of these studies included a thorough exploration of awareness and attitudes using qualitative investigation or conducted a scienti c process to develop and validate the instruments that were used to measure dietitians' knowledge and perceptions.…”