Dietitians' Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Peer Education in Nutrition.

Purpose: Peer education (PE) has been used effectively in nutrition; however, research examining dietitians' attitudes regarding PE is lacking.

Methods: An online survey was sent to a random sample of 1198 Dietitians of Canada members to assess attitudes regarding PE by practice area.

Results: A representative sample of dietitians by practice area and location was obtained (n = 229; 19%). Their total attitude score (TAS) was 226 ± 26 (mean ± SD) out of 295 (maximum). Community/public health dietitians had significantly higher TASs compared with clinical dietitians (234 ± 23 vs. 221 ± 27, respectively; P = 0.03). Dietitians believed PE to be most useful in community settings (P < 0.001), with cultural groups or adolescents (P < 0.001), and for healthy eating program goals (P < 0.001). The barrier most agreed with was limited financial resources, whereas the highest perceived benefits were social support and experience/employment for participants and peer educators, respectively. Overall, 63% agreed PE is an effective model, and 59% agreed that PE should be used more often in nutrition.

Conclusions: Dietitians have a positive attitude towards PE, with community/public health dietitians having the most positive attitudes. Dietitians believe PE is useful with specific target populations and particular program goals/strategies; however, they could be challenged to consider PE in a greater variety of programs.