Factors Associated with the Intention of Registered Dietitians to Discuss Nutrigenetics with their Patients/Clients.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting the intention of Registered Dietitians (RDs) to discuss nutrigenetics with their patients/clients. METHODS: A survey based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB; attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control) was developed and sent by email to RD members of the Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the determinants of intention and behaviour. RESULTS: A total of 141 RDs completed the questionnaire (5.8% response rate). On a scale from -2 to 2 (from strongly disagree to strongly agree), the intention of discussing nutrigenetics with patients/clients was neutral (mean of -0.07 ± 0.92). The TPB construct of attitude was the most strongly associated with intention (ß = 0.66, P < 0.0001) followed by perceived behavioural control (ß = 0.33, P < 0.0001) and subjective norm (ß = 0.21, P = 0.03). Finally, 13 out of 141 RDs (~9%) actually practiced the behaviour, which was to have discussed nutrigenetics with their patients/clients in the last 3 months. Only perceived behavioural control contributed to explain the behaviour (ß = 0.17, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Main determinants of the intention of RDs to discuss nutrigenetics with their patients/clients were determined. This knowledge will help inform the design of future educational content about nutrigenetics.