Search

Aim: The application of behaviour change science is fundamental to the role of dietitians. This study aimed to describe how behaviour change science is embedded within the curricula of accredited/registered dietetics programs in Australia and New Zealand. Methods: A descriptive study triangulated quantitative document analysis of curricula content from university websites (Part 1) with qualitative, structured interviews with dietetics academics (Part 2). Part 2 verified and advanced upon information captured in Part 1 and was analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Twenty‐five courses from 18 university programs (15 Australia and 3 New Zealand) were synthesised. Fifteen interviews (12 Australia, 3 New Zealand) were conducted. Behaviour change science was taught and assessed at varying levels across all programs. It was taught primarily within lectures or workshops where students apply skills learnt in practical case‐based activities, and assessed through small group education planning or demonstrating communication and counselling skills. Five themes were identified from the interviews: (1) behaviour change science should be foundational; (2) integrate and scaffold within curricula; (3) structural limitations within curricula; (4) challenging for students and (5) recommendations for competencies. Conclusion: Behaviour change science is clearly of value to the dietetics profession. Core content appears to be embedded across all university programs; however, the level and depth of the content varied. The knowledge gained from this study provides direction for curricular improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to explore both the dietary-related behavior change techniques (BCTs) adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) described to enact themselves and the BCTs they perceived their dietitians to enact within consultations. Qualitative study involving semistructured telephone interviews with adults who consulted with a dietitian after their T2D diagnosis. Participants shared their experience of dietary behavior change and interactions with dietitians. Telephone-based interviews from an Australian university setting. Twenty-one adults (12 females and 9 males) aged 36–75 years were self-selected and invited by email. Dietary behavior changes reportedly enacted after a T2D diagnosis by participants and their dietitians. Transcripts were analyzed through thematic content analysis according to the BCT taxonomy. Participants described several BCTs such as problem-solving and self-monitoring (behavior), which helped their dietary behavior change. Participants perceived their dietitians to use BCTs, including goal setting (outcome), self-monitoring (behavior), and instruction on how to perform the behavior. These participants who had consulted with a dietitian reported additional techniques than those prescribed in the consultation process. Adults with T2D undertake a variety of BCTs to support dietary behavior change. Dietitians can draw on behavior change taxonomies to support behavior change in clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]