Public perceptions of nutrition diagnosis terminology and implications for clinical practice

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Nutrition and Dietetics

DOI

10.1111/1747-0080.12924

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate public perceptions of the Nutrition Care Process standardised diagnosis terms. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a 5-point Likert scale survey asking participants to rate nutrition diagnosis terms based on the degree of acceptability (offensiveness). Inclusion criteria were adults ≥18 years, living in the United States and fluent in English. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis and chi-squared tests were conducted, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Qualitative analysis of optional written participant comments was conducted, using an inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach. Results: The majority of participants (n = 185, average age 46.5 ± 17.8 years) were female (77.8%), White (80.5%), degree-educated (79.5%) and did not work in healthcare (73.0%). The top offensive term was ‘undesirable food choices’ (20.5% rated the term as offensive). Younger participants found the terms ‘undesirable food choices’ and ‘obesity’ more offensive compared to older adults (p < 0.05). Qualitative analysis revealed concerns with and/or understandability of specific nutrition diagnosis terms. Conclusions: In general, nutrition diagnosis terms were considered acceptable by study participants. The main offensive terms are in the Behavioral-Environmental domain. Findings from our study serve as a foundation for further research and provide rationale to advocate for changes to Nutrition Care Process terminology in the spirit of fostering more inclusive, person-centred care.

Keywords

medical record, nutrition care documentation, nutrition care process, nutrition care process terminology, nutrition diagnosis, qualitative research

Department

Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging

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