Study Title
How does self-perceived nutrition competence change over time during medical training? A prospective longitudinal observational study of New Zealand medical students.
Principal Investigator
Jennifer Crowley, Lauren Ball, Clare Wall.
Affiliation
The University of Auckland, Griffith University.
Start Date
May 2016.
End Date
July 2019.
Study Objective
To describe changes in medical students’ self-perceived nutrition competence at three time points during their medical training.
Short Abstract
This study aimed to assess how self-perceived competence in nutrition care changed over time in medical students in New Zealand. The study found modest improvements in nutrition competence, particularly in confidence to counsel patients, though gaps in nutrition knowledge and skills remained. Students expressed a consistent need for more nutrition education throughout their training.
Study Design
A longitudinal study with surveys administered at three different time points during medical training: Year 2, Year 4, and Year 5.
Population
Medical students at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Sample Size
102 students in Year 2, 89 in Year 4, and 30 in Year 5 completed the surveys.
Inclusion Criteria
Year 2, 4, and 5 medical students enrolled at the University of Auckland.
Exclusion Criteria
None specified.
Intervention/Exposure
The study tracked self-perceived nutrition competence using the validated Nutrition Competence (NUTCOMP) survey at different stages of medical training.
Outcome Measures
- Change in self-perceived competence in nutrition knowledge, skills, confidence to counsel, and attitude towards nutrition.
- Overall NUTCOMP scores across the three time points.
Funding Source
No specific funding declared.
Collaborating Institutions
The University of Auckland, Griffith University.
Ethics Approval
Approved by The University of Auckland Human Participants Ethics Committee (Reference number: 017113).
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, October 2020.
Keywords
Medical students, nutrition education, self-perceived competence, longitudinal study, New Zealand.
Data Collection Methods
Self-perceived nutrition competence was measured using the NUTCOMP survey at three stages during medical training.
Primary Data Availability
All data relevant to the study are included in the article.
Contact Information
Dr. Jennifer Crowley,