Attitudes towards and experiences with research: differences between dietetics students and professionals in Australia and the United States

AIM: Research conducted by dietitians is encouraged by national and international organisations, yet research output remains low. The attitudes towards and experiences with research and research methods course work of students and practitioners in Australia and the United States were examined. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. Participants were contacted by email; 173 Australian (N = 50 students; 123 practitioners) and 499 US (N = 231 students; 268 practitioners) respondents completed the survey. RESULTS: A smaller proportion of American students (74%) indicated that they would consider conducting research in the future compared to Australian students (84%) (P < 0.001). More Australian than American practitioners indicated interest in conducting research in their current position (87% vs 66%; P < 0.001). Research training did not increase future research plans, but respondents who had conducted research either as a student or at work responded more favourably to conducting research in the future (P < 0.001). In general, Australian respondents were more supportive of and more experienced with research. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike classroom training, past research experiences supported plans for future research. Further work needs to investigate how the culture of the profession can be changed to support more dietitian-conducted research.