A Qualitative Study Exploring Dietetic Students' and Registered Dietitians' Views on Cultural Humility in Training and the Profession
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Cultural humility is a critical component of equitable and inclusive nutrition care. The current study aimed to explore the existing state of cultural competence among nutrition students and nutrition professionals while identifying the need for and acceptability of cultural humility training tailored for nutrition professionals. METHODS: Dietetic students and nutrition professionals from various educational and professional backgrounds in the United States were recruited through purposive sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the samples self-reported standing as a nutritional professional, time in the field, and cultural competence awareness and behaviours. A directed and deductive thematic analysis was conducted using the Theory of Cultural Humility to analyse interview transcriptions. RESULTS: Participants reported high agreement for cultural competence awareness/behaviours, while responses to educational resources and confidence in adapting services showed more variability. Five major themes emerged aligning with Foronda's Theory of Cultural Humility. CONCLUSIONS: Key findings highlight an opportunity to strengthen cultural humility training among nutrition students and professionals. Expanding cultural humility education in nutrition and dietetics programmes could enhance the ability of future professionals to navigate diverse patient needs and address health disparities shaped by social determinants of health.
DOI: 10.1111/jhn.70048
Authors: Amelia Sullivan, Leigh Neptune, Jade McNamara
Institution: University of Maine
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4409377097