A comparison of perceptions of nuts between the general public, dietitians, general practitioners, and nurses
Overview
Year Published: 2018
Journal
PeerJ
Authors
Rachel Clare Brown, Andrew Robert Gray, Lee Ching Yong, Alex Chisholm, Sook Ling Leong, and Siew Ling Tey
Methods
This New Zealand study surveyed 1427 participants who were: dietitians, general practitioners, practice nurses, and general population. The objective was to look at the perception of nuts among the different groups.
Key Findings
Key Findings: "We noted frequent agreement that the general public participants would consume more if nuts: improved health (67%), were more affordable (60%), or improved the nutrient content (59%) and balance of fats (58%) within their diets. Over half the respondents reported they would eat more nuts if they were advised to do so by a dietitian or doctor, despite less than 4% reporting they had received such advice. The most frequently selected deterrents to increasing nut consumption were: cost (67%), potential weight gain (66%), and leading to eating too much fat (63%)." Authors conclude that "Educational initiatives could also be used to improve the nutritional knowledge of GPs and practice nurses with regard to nuts, although even dietitians were unsure of their knowledge in some cases."