A Qualitative Study Exploring Dietetic Students' and Registered Dietitians' Views on Cultural Humility in Training and the Profession.

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.