Professional perspectives on PN among registered dietitians in Saudi Arabia: a mixed-methods assessment
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background The clinical implementation of personalized nutrition (PN) remains limited, despite growing interest. Healthcare professionals’ readiness for adoption must be better understood. Objective The aim of this study is to explore registered dietitians’ perceptions, attitudes, and readiness regarding PN and multi-omics approaches in Saudi Arabia. Method A mixed-methods survey of 88 registered dietitians in Saudi Arabia provided quantitative and qualitative data on personalized nutrition technology (PNT) adoption patterns and barriers, analysed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify implementation barriers and facilitators. Results PNT adoption was low (16%). Work experience, but not education level, had a relatively greater correlation with perceived usefulness of PNT ( r = 0.280, p = 0.007). Genomics, metabolomics, and microbiome testing demonstrated strong correlations with PNT usefulness ( r = 0.321–0.571, p ≤ 0.004). Qualitative findings identified knowledge gaps as the primary challenge and emphasized education as the key facilitator. Conclusion While Saudi dietitians have positive attitudes toward PN, they face significant implementation barriers at both an organizational and educational levels. For PN integration to be achieved within the Kingdom’s healthcare system, policy, academic, and institutional interventions are required to enhance organizational support, professional training gaps, and interprofessional collaboration frameworks.
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition
Authors: Yasmin Algindan, Hoda AboAlsamh, Shabir Ahmad
Institutions: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Al Yamamah University
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7140107098