CDA members' perceptions of the value of the National Nutrition Month campaign

A random sample of 10% of active Canadian Dietetic Association (CDA) members, stratified by province, was surveyed by telephone to determine perceptions of the purpose and value of Nutrition Month, factors hindering and facilitating participation, and opinions about the future direction of the campaign. Of the 439 eligible participants, 392 (89%) were contacted and 371 (85%) completed the 23-question interview. Using a 0-10 scale, respondents rated the campaign's effectiveness in raising public awareness of our profession ( x +/- SD = 5.8 + 1.9) and in educating the public about nutrition (6.7 +/- 1.6). The majority (96%) believed the Nutrition Month campaign benefits our profession as a whole and provides opportunities for personal growth (72%). However, most (76%) also believed that there are drawbacks or limitations, notably that the campaign is time-consuming (26%) and has limited reach (20%). Members feel strongly that Nutrition Month is an appropriate activity for CDA (96%) and that the campaign should remain in some form (80%). The most frequently suggested change was to increase publicity/media (22%). These results will assist CDA in planning future campaigns.