Registered Dietitians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviour Related to Physical Activity and Sedentariness.

Purpose: To explore knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour related to physical activity (PA) and sedentariness among registered dietitians (RDs) in family health teams in Ontario.Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study utilized a semi-structured interview guide to conduct qualitative interviews with 20 RDs. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess personal PA (short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and sedentary behaviour (Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire).Results: Thematic analysis indicated that, in general, participants had good knowledge of PA and sedentariness. They were knowledgeable about the PA guidelines. They had positive attitudes toward PA and nonsedentariness, stating that both are important in the prevention and treatment of chronic conditions. Quantitative analysis indicated they had moderate-to-high PA levels and were fairly sedentary.Conclusions: This study supports the position that RDs can serve as excellent role models for PA. Though participants had basic knowledge, RDs may benefit from additional education regarding PA and sedentariness when counselling.

Registered dietitians' beliefs and behaviours related to counselling patients on physical activity and sedentary behaviour from a theory of planned behaviour perspective.

BACKGROUND: Registered dietitians working in team-based primary care settings (e.g., family health teams [FHTs]) are positioned to counsel on physical activity and sedentary behaviour when providing nutrition-related services to promote health and prevent disease. This qualitative study explored FHT registered dietitians' beliefs and behaviours related to counselling patients on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. METHODS: Twenty registered dietitians in FHTs in Ontario, Canada were interviewed in person. Theory of planned behaviour guided the development of this cross-sectional, descriptive study. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes within each of the following theoretical constructs (topics): registered dietitians' behaviour (practice), behavioural intention, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control related to physical activity and sedentary behaviour counselling. RESULTS: All participants counselled patients on physical activity, using some motivational interviewing strategies, and most counselled on sedentary behaviour. Many participants intended to continue their current physical activity counselling practices and increase sedentary behaviour counselling. Some participants had a positive attitude about the effectiveness of counselling on physical activity and sedentary behaviour, but their belief about effectiveness was dependent on factors such as time frame for behaviour change. Many participants felt that other health care professionals expected them to counsel on physical activity and they believed that other registered dietitians counsel on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Facilitators to counselling included FHT dynamics and time with patients. In terms of barriers, almost all participants were confident in basic PA counselling only and contended that only this is within their scope of practice. Many participants posited that exercise prescription is outside their scope of practice. Other barriers included registered dietitians' lack of knowledge and not having a physical activity expert on the team. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that strategies are warranted to improve FHT registered dietitians' knowledge, attitude, and counselling skills related to physical activity and sedentary behaviour. This study provides a strong foundation to develop a theory-based, quantitative measure to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour counselling practices and determinants among registered dietitians.