The Viewpoints of General Physicians towards Clinical Nutrition and the Role of Education in Medical Schools

Background and High incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc. signifies the role of nutrition in maintaining health and preventing diseases. Nutrition education to medical students could be of great benefit since they will have a key role in natural health system and patients usually follow physicians’ advice about diet. This study was done to investigate the viewpoints of general practitioners towards nutrition knowledge and the role of medical schools on this issue. This descriptive study was conducted in general physicians practicing in Sari’s private or governmental clinics. To collect the data a valid and reliable researcher made questionnaire was used containing demographic characteristics and 45 questions about teaching of clinical nutrition and efficacy of the educational program. The data was then analyzed using SPSS V.16. A total of 100 physicians participated in study of whom 58% were male and 78% practiced in private clinics. More than 80% of physicians rated the importance of nutrition knowledge in clinical practice as high or very high. Regarding the competency in management of nutritional issues, 66% of physicians assessed their competency as moderate. More than 60% had inadequate information on nutritional needs of diabetics, obese people, pregnant women, and children. Also, 70 percent evaluated the teaching course of clinical nutrition in current curriculum as non-relevant. More than half of the cases (59%) mentioned that nutritional course is essential for general physicians and clinical residents and suggested that theoretical courses should be presented in early periods of study alongside other practical courses. This study indicated the importance of nutritional knowledge and skill in clinical practice in view of general physicians and insufficiency and non-relevance of teaching courses. Hence, it is essential to review nutrition education in medical schools.