Nutrition knowledge related to chronic disease of Irish medical and nursing students

The global rise in chronic disease prevalence has resulted in negative impacts on healthcare systems. A major contributing factor to the development of chronic disease is the adoption of an unhealthy diet. Despite this, the inclusion of nutrition in medical and nursing curriculums appears to be ad hoc and limited. Previous work indicates that healthcare professionals with better nutrition knowledge are more likely to incorporate nutrition care into practice. The study’s aim was to determine nutrition knowledge related to chronic disease and its determinants in a sample of Irish healthcare students. This cross-sectional study took place between March and May 2017 and utilised a validated section (21 multiple-choice questions) of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire, to determine level of knowledge regarding nutrition and chronic disease of 131 Irish healthcare students. The median score for nutrition knowledge related to chronic disease was 15.0 out of 21.0. Questions regarding cancer prevention, the relationship between a high protein diet, taking nutritional supplements and fibre intake and maintaining a healthy weight and identifying weight status associated with a BMI above 31 kg/m2 were answered poorly, with less than 50% of the cohort answering correctly. There were significant differences observed between genders, student type, age and year of study demographics. Student nurses and doctors are our future healthcare professionals and usually the first point of contact with patients. Having nutrition knowledge would enable them to spot nutritional risk factors for chronic disease early and intervene where appropriate, potentially reducing the burden of chronic disease.