An assessment of the need for the dietitian in the management of patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases in primary health care in Cornwall County, Jamaica

ABSTRACT

Nutrition-related chronic noncommunicable diseases have emerged as one of the leading public health concerns of the last five decades. This problem is common in both developed and serveral developing countries with Jamaica as no exception. The aetiology and nature of these diseases render the level primary health care best suited for their management. Nutrition and dietary intervention is implicated if control in adult disability, morbidity and premature mortality from these diseases is to be realized. The report examines the nutritional assessment, information and counselling given to patients with common nutrition-related chronic noncommunicable disease at the level of primary care inthe country of Cornwall in Jamaica. The attitude of primary health care professional to the introduction of dietitian and their potential contribution. Seventy-seven health care recipients with chronic noncommunicable disease and 48 health care providers from four health centres were provided with questionnaires. The results which have been tabulated indicate hat although nutrition intervention is relatively frequent and done by individuals from a variety of health professions, it is deficient in the fundamental concepts and principles of nutrition and dietetics. However, a fair understanding of the nutritional care process seems to exist. The primary care health professional indicated a positive attitude towards the introduction of the dietitian. Seventy percent did not agree that nutrition education was primarily the duty of the dietitian. A number of conclusions were drawn from the study which formed the basis for the recommendations. (AU)