Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut School of Nursing, 231 Glenbrook Road, Unit 2026, Storrs, Mansfield, CT, 06269-2026, USA.
Matern Child Health J. 2021 Feb;25(2):192-197. doi: 10.1007/s10995-020-03090-3. Epub 2021 Jan 12.
Adequate dietary consumption of long chain omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) during pregnancy has been associated with better maternal and infant health outcomes. Given that the primary source of n-3 LCPUFA is fish and fish oils, concerns surrounding contamination and uncertainty of safe fish intake guidelines have negatively affected consumption of fish during pregnancy. Although obstetric healthcare providers are in a unique position to influence dietary intake patterns, a gap exists in their understanding the knowledge and practices surrounding n-3 LCPUFA. This needs assessment investigation evaluated knowledge, attitudes and prescribing/recommending practices of obstetric practitioners surrounding n-3 LCPUFA consumption and/or supplementation to generate evidence supporting the development of targeted educational initiatives.
A cross-sectional, needs assessment was conducted using anonymous online-survey of affiliate members of the American College of Nurse Midwives (N = 105). A 24-item, previously validated (α = 0.86) needs assessment survey (Obstetric Clinicians Omega-3 Survey, OCOS) was used to assess attitudes, knowledge, and prescribing practices surrounding n-3 LCPUFA.
The total OCOS score representing attitudes, knowledge and prescribing patterns collectively was 69.48% (Mean = 79.90(± 12.44), score range = 24-115). Scores for the sub-domains included attitude 68.33% (Mean = 20.50(± 3.64), score range = 6-30); knowledge 71.40% (Mean = 30.70(± 5.43), score range = 9-43); and prescribing patterns 68.31% (Mean = 28.69(± 5.39), score range = 9-42).
Although the majority of respondents had fair-moderate n-3 LCPUFA knowledge, attitudes and prescribing/recommending, our results highlight an opportunity for additional research and educational outreach targeting improved n-3 LCPUFA knowledge and practices. Specific areas of educational interest included associated health outcomes, dosing and safe consumption guidelines.
孕妇摄入足够的长链 ω-3 脂肪酸（n-3 LCPUFA）与更好的母婴健康结果相关。鉴于 n-3 LCPUFA 的主要来源是鱼类和鱼油，对污染的担忧以及对安全鱼类摄入量指南的不确定性，对怀孕期间鱼类的食用产生了负面影响。尽管产科保健提供者处于影响饮食摄入模式的独特位置，但他们对 n-3 LCPUFA 相关知识和实践的理解存在差距。这项需求评估调查评估了产科医生对 n-3 LCPUFA 消费和/或补充的知识、态度和处方/推荐实践，以提供支持制定有针对性的教育计划的证据。
使用美国护理助产士学院（American College of Nurse Midwives）附属成员的匿名在线调查进行了横断面需求评估（N=105）。使用 24 项已验证（α=0.86）的需求评估调查（产科临床医生 ω-3 调查，OCOS）来评估围绕 n-3 LCPUFA 的态度、知识和处方实践。
代表态度、知识和处方模式的总 OCOS 得分为 69.48%（平均值=79.90（±12.44），得分范围=24-115）。包括态度在内的子域得分分别为 68.33%（平均值=20.50（±3.64），得分范围=6-30）；知识 71.40%（平均值=30.70（±5.43），得分范围=9-43）；和处方模式 68.31%（平均值=28.69（±5.39），得分范围=9-42）。
尽管大多数受访者对 n-3 LCPUFA 具有中等程度的了解，但我们的结果强调了需要进一步研究和开展教育外展活动，以提高对 n-3 LCPUFA 的知识和实践。教育的具体兴趣领域包括相关的健康结果、剂量和安全消费指南。
