Nutrition Professionals Feel Underprepared to Serve Persons With Marginalized Identities

Abstract

With increasing attention on diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), it is necessary that nutrition professionals are educated and trained to provide inclusive care for all individuals. Yet, little is known about how nutrition students are educated and trained to serve persons with marginalized identities. Using the Diffusions of Innovations Theory, the purpose of this study is to identify early adopters of inclusive approaches to dietetics care and understand their preparedness to serve marginalized persons. This descriptive pilot study used a virtual intercept interview approach using poll style questions in a Facebook group (#InclusiveDietetics) dedicated to sharing content about DEI in dietetics, as members of the group were identified as “early adopters” of inclusive care. Five questions assessed the type of education, diversity of educators, and sources of information that nutrition professionals used to learn to serve marginalized clients. Descriptive statistics (counts and frequencies) were used to analyze the data. About 79.31% of participants reported receiving no education or training from their accredited dietetics programs interacting with patients with mental disabilities, physical disabilities, identifying within the LGBQ+ and Trans community, and of different cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds. When they received it, nearly 75% of participants reported receiving training on working with patients of different racial/ethnic backgrounds but only 5.56% reportedly received training to serve persons within the LGBTQ+ community. Nutrition professionals feel prepared to interact with marginalized groups to some extent; however, more research, education, and training are needed to develop best practices and adequately prepare professional to serve marginalized patients.