Applied Human Nutrition -- Graduate Theses

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https://hdl.handle.net/10587/590
Completed Graduate theses from the Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition program.

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    Canadian Registered Dietitians’ Perceptions, Experiences, and Knowledge of Weight- Related Evidence in Practice: A National Questionnaire
    (Mount Saint Vincent University, 2024-11) Waugh, Rachel Lynn
    A recent nation-wide survey conducted by Dietitians of Canada (2020) found dietitians are divided in their interpretation of (body) weight evidence. There is limited data on Canadian Registered Dietitians' (RDs’) perspectives, experiences, and knowledge on this topic. Moreover, current evidence suggests Canadian RDs are predominantly female, white, and young-to-middle aged. It has been established that one’s intersecting characteristics can impact how they see themselves and others, but there is limited Canadian research impacting how these factors impact weight evidence interpretation and application.
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    Compassion in Healthcare: A Qualitative Study Exploring Knowledge and Experiences of Compassion of Nutrition Students
    (Mount Saint Vincent University, 2024-11) Goswami, Suhnandany
    This study aims to explore the knowledge and experiences of compassion among a sample of graduate nutrition students. By understanding the students' current knowledge and experiences of compassion, this study can help to identify areas of strength and gaps in their understanding of compassion and related concepts. This information can then be used to inform the development of teaching and learning strategies and curricula for nutrition and dietetics students that promote the integration of compassion into practice. Additionally, the results of this study will contribute to the existing body of research on compassion-based nutrition and healthcare practice. This study was qualitative in nature, and it is based on the qualitative description (QD) method.
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    Exploring the Experiences of People with ‘High-Risk’ Pregnancy and Prenatal Education in Nova Scotia
    (Mount Saint Vincent University, 2024-09) Churchill, Megan
    Prenatal education provides important information to pregnant people, preparing them for birthing and postpartum. People with high-risk pregnancies may require additional information to ensure that both the parent and infant are healthy/safe. Currently, facilitated prenatal education in Nova Scotia is only widely available through privately owned businesses.
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    Perceptions, knowledge, and use of plant-based dietary interventions among healthcare providers in Nova Scotia (Veg-HP Study)
    (Mount Saint Vincent University, 2024-04) Bockus, Laura
    Plant-based diets, including vegetarian diets, have been studied extensively for utility in chronic disease management. Recent public health initiatives, including the revision of the Canada’s Food Guide (CFG, 2019), reflect favourable health and wellness outcomes. Research investigating public perception of plant-based diets has identified several biases that may impact perceived and actual utility. Limited research exists on Healthcare Professionals’ (HCPs) perceptions, knowledge, or use of plant-based diets in practice, all well established outcomes that impact whether or not HCPs use an intervention. Aim: To capture and describe perceptions, knowledge, and practice behaviours of HCPs in Nova Scotia (NS), in relation to vegetarian diet usage in chronic disease management (prevention and treatment). Outcomes: Guided by our study aim, we collected data under four outcome categories, from registered and regulated physicians, dietitians, nurses, and pharmacists, practicing in NS 1) Demographics, 2) Perceptions 3) Knowledge 4) Use/Application. Methods: This cross-sectional survey study included development and implementation of a 60-item close-ended questionnaire which was distributed via LimeSurvey (October 2021-April 2022) to physicians, dietitians, nurses, and pharmacists in NS. Data was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and described in text, tabular and figure format. Results: Of 53 respondents, 94% identified as female and 49% as registered dietitians (RDs). The sample was composed of people who consumed primarily omnivore (49%, n=23/47) or plant-based diets (49%, n=23/47). HCPs described vegetarian diets as a lifestyle choice (86%, n=43/50), legitimate medical practice (58%, n=29/50), and complimentary medicine (44%, n=22/50). Knowledge questions were correctly answered by most (85% or more), excluding one. Thirty-eight percent (n=31/50) of respondents did not know CFG no longer contains a meat and alternatives food group. Respondents identified cardiovascular disease (90%, n=45/50), diabetes (80%, n=40/50), cancers (74%, n=37/50), and mental health disorders (26%, n=13/50) could be beneficially impacted with plant-based diets, with no negative impacts (66%, n=33/50). Respondents (26%, n=13/50) expressed some concern for mental health impacts with vegetarian diets specifically, patients living with eating disorders (5%, n=2/43). Vegetarian diets were recommended by 68% (n=34/50) of HCPs, not recommended by 32% (n=16/50), and 58% (n=29/50) reported waiting for patient interest before discussing vegetarian diets. Conclusions: A large percentage of respondents recognized vegetarian diets could beneficially impact disease states and clinical outcomes, a similar percentage of respondents reported not introducing this dietary pattern without prompting from their patient. NS HCPs had better knowledge scores than previous peer-reviewed and published literature, although evaluations/ knowledge evaluation tools differ across studies. This is likely due to the increased representation of RDs in our sample.