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Title: DIETARY ASSESSMENT RESEARCH ENHANCES THE NUTRITION ASSESSMENT SKILLS OF DIETETIC STUDENTS

Author
item LOFTON, K - USM - HATTIESBURG MS
item DAVIS, K - USM - HATTIESBURG MS
item Connell, Carol
item Forsythe, William
item Yadrick, Kathy
item KURTZ, A - PBRC
item MOLAISON, ELAINE - LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Journal Of The American Dietetic Association
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/13/2002
Publication Date: 9/20/2002
Citation: LOFTON, K., DAVIS, K., CONNELL, C., FORSYTHE, W., YADRICK, K., KURTZ, A., MOLAISON, E. DIETARY ASSESSMENT RESEARCH ENHANCES THE NUTRITION ASSESSMENT SKILLS OF DIETETIC STUDENTS. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION. 2002. v. 102(Suppl.2). n. 9. p. A61.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Research literature indicates that dietetic students involved in research settings enhance their knowledge and skills and may gain greater appreciation for nutrition professionals involved in research. Junior and senior dietetic undergraduates and graduate dietetic interns were recruited from summer employment as interviewers for a pilot study. The purpose of the study was to validate a research instrument used to assess fruit, juice, and vegetable consumption among adolescents. Students were required to have prior experience conducting nutritional assessments or to have completed nutritional assessment coursework. Students received twenty-four hours of standardized training and were certified to conduct 24-hour recalls using the USDA multiple-pass method and the food frequency questionnaire. Two students with prior experience in nutrition assessment and/or nutrition research were recruited to serve as Dietary Intake Supervisors to assist with management of data collection. Supervisors received additional training to address quality control, deviations from research procedures, and protocols to address other interview problems. Project staff personnel were on-site to ensure that accuracy, confidentiality and research guidelines were maintained. Supervisors and interviewers worked closely with project staff to screen participants and review unfamiliar regional food terms. At the end of the study, students were debriefed by the project director to solicit suggestions to improve the research instrument and procedures. Students stated that their participation in the project enhanced their dietary assessment and communication skills and that they would recommend the training and experience to other dietetic students. They also reported a greater appreciation for the research process and would consider a career emphasis in research. (Supported in part by ARS/USDA project # 6251-530000-0020-00D)