Public perceptions of dietetics services in Australia and New Zealand

The aim of this study was to examine expectations, perceptions and attitudes about dietetics services among the Australian and New Zealand public, to provide insights for building a future dietetics workforce that will meet consumer needs.

A cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey was employed to gain perspectives of a representative sample of Australian and New Zealand adults. Questions were purposely designed to collect views regarding sources of dietary information, expectations of dietetics service providers and factors influencing choice of dietetics service provider. Data were analysed descriptively and using Pearson's chi-square test to assess relationships between categorical variables. Free-text responses were analysed using content analysis.

Of 2601 respondents, approximately one third (32%) had seen a dietitian. Doctors were the most trusted sources of dietary information (87%), particularly with participants over 60 years (χ(1) = 44.168, V = 0.130, p < 0.001). Cost was the most frequently reported factor influencing choice of dietetics services (56%), with 88% of respondents interested in accessing a dietitian, preferably in-person (64%), if they could do so for no cost. Participants anticipated that dietitians would offer services like meal plans (59%) and nutritional analysis (48%) as well as weight and other body measurements (56%). Some expectations such as blood tests (54%) were outside the usual scope of dietetic practice.

The results of this study have implications for practising dietitians, dietetics educators, and funders of dietetics services. Cost as a barrier suggests that advocacy to government for funding type, duration and number of visits to dietitians is still required.