Using Instagram for health promotion: professional and ethical challenges for Australian nutritionists and dietitians

Nutritionists and dietitians are the leading nutrition experts, increasingly leveraging social media to share nutrition and health information. While nutritionists and dietitians share role similarities, differences in qualifications, regulatory frameworks, and scope of practice remain. This study aimed to assess and analyse the professional and ethical use of Instagram by Australian nutritionists and dietitians. Using a cross-sectional approach, 500 Instagram posts by nutritionists and dietitians were assessed using a modified Social Media Evaluation Checklist. The criteria included categories of financial disclosure, cultural awareness, evidence-based information, transparency, privacy/confidentiality, professionalism, and justifiability. Descriptive data analysis was conducted, and scores were reported in both frequencies (n) and percentages (%). Both nutritionists and dietitians primarily shared content related to diet information and service promotion on Instagram. Scores suggest good professional and ethical demonstration in areas such as cultural awareness, balanced and accurate information, adherence to scope of practice, and transparent imagery. However, inconsistencies were noted with financial disclosure, transparent advertising, referencing sources, accessible language, and safeguarding patient identity. While nutritionists and dietitians demonstrated adherence to professional and ethical practices in certain areas, not all standards were fully met. With the growing usage of social media by nutritionists and dietitians for service promotion, there is a need for clear regulations and updated guidelines tailored to these professionals, with an emphasis on transparent financial disclosure and ensuring accessibility of content. Such guidance would ensure nutritionists and dietitians uphold high ethical and professional standards, fostering public trust and enhancing credibility of information shared by these nutrition experts.