Study Title
Nutrition education in medical school: the case of international medical students in China.
Principal Investigator
William Kwame Amakye, Sladana Bozovic, Arafat Faraque, Maojin Yao, Jiaoyan Ren.
Affiliation
South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University.
Start Date
June 2020.
End Date
November 2020.
Study Objective
To assess the knowledge of country-specific nutrition situations, perceptions of nutrition curricula, and factors influencing the capacity to offer nutrition guidance among international medical students in China compared with their home-country counterparts.
Short Abstract
This cross-sectional study compared international medical students in China with home-country students from Ghana, India, and Montenegro regarding their nutrition knowledge, perceptions of nutrition curricula, and ability to provide nutrition counseling. The study found that international students were less familiar with their home-country nutrition guidelines and policies compared to home-country students. Practical nutrition courses, hours of nutrition education, and exposure to nutrition-related questions were predictors of perceived adequacy of nutrition education and confidence in providing nutrition counseling.
Study Design
Cross-sectional study using an online semi-structured questionnaire distributed via WeChat for international students and Microsoft Forms for home-country students.
Population
Medical students studying internationally in China and students from Ghana, India, and Montenegro studying in their home countries.
Sample Size
190 medical students: 110 international students in China, and 80 home-country students from Ghana, India, and Montenegro.
Inclusion Criteria
Medical students studying internationally in China or in their home countries of Ghana, India, or Montenegro.
Exclusion Criteria
None specified.
Intervention/Exposure
Assessment of nutrition education received, knowledge of home-country nutrition policies, and ability to provide nutrition counseling.
Outcome Measures
- Perception of the significance of nutrition in health and disease
- Awareness of home-country nutrition policies
- Ability to provide nutrition recommendations for specific conditions (e.g., pregnancy, diabetes, hypertension)
Funding Source
No specific grant declared.
Collaborating Institutions
South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease.
Ethics Approval
Not mentioned.
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, December 2020.
Keywords
International students, nutrition education, medical curriculum, country-specific nutrition policies, nutrition counseling.
Data Collection Methods
Online semi-structured questionnaire administered via WeChat and Microsoft Forms.
Primary Data Availability
No new data generated; results based on survey responses.
Contact Information
Dr. Jiaoyan Ren,