Publication Date

1998

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Parham, Ellen S.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences

LCSH

Osteoporosis--Diet therapy; Dietary supplements; Calcium in human nutrition; Vitamin D in human nutrition; Dietitians--Education; Dietitians--Attitudes

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether registered dietitians’ educational levels or beliefs concerning calcium and vitamin D supplementation are related to their intended behavior in recommending calcium and/or vitamin D supplements to patients with or at risk for osteoporosis. Design: A survey questionnaire developed by the researcher was used to survey the participants about their level of education, beliefs relating to the benefits and safety of calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and intended behavior with regard to recommending calcium and vitamin D supplements. Composite scores of Likert-type responses were used in the data analysis. Subjects: Three hundred twenty registered dietitians were randomly selected from the American Dietetic Association’s Dietetic Practice Group (DPG), Dietitians in General Clinical Practice. One hundred seventy-one surveys (53%) were returned. Six respondents failed to complete one or more items and were, therefore, not included in some of the data analysis. Statistical analyses: Frequencies and percentages were used to examine demographic characteristics of the survey respondents. Pearson’s correlation and one-way analysis of variance were used to assess the relationships between the variables being studied. Results: Most of the respondents (76.6%) agreed or strongly agreed that it is the registered dietitian’s responsibility to recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements when indicated. The surveyed dietitians were more likely to recommend calcium supplements to patients than to recommend vitamin D supplements. A significant but moderate correlation (r = .57) was found between registered dietitians’ beliefs about calcium and vitamin D supplementation and intended behavior to recommend the supplements to patients. No significant correlation was found between educational levels and intended behavior. Conclusions: Although beliefs are positively correlated with registered dietitians’ intended behavior toward recommending calcium and/or vitamin D supplements, other factors need to be determined. Such research would benefit dietitians, educators and, most importantly, persons with or at risk for osteoporosis.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [30]-33)

Extent

v, 45 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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