Predictors for Research Involvement among Registered Dietitians

ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to measure registered dietitians’ (RDs’) research involvement (by creating a research score) and to determine whether their perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice and key antecedent factors (eg, sociodemographic characteristics, education and training, professional experiences, and employment setting) predicted their research involvement.DesignThis cross-sectional, descriptive study used the Dietitian Research Involvement Survey and followed the Tailored Design Method.Subjects/settingThis study surveyed 258 randomly selected RDs from seven dietetic practice groups of the American Dietetic Association.Statistical Analyses PerformedDescriptive statistics, bivariate relationships, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to test whether perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice score and antecedent factors predicted the research score of dietitians.ResultsPerceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice score (r=0.59, P<0.0005), level of education (r=0.53, P<0.0005), taking a research course (r=0.40, P<0.0005), last time read research (r=0.35, P<0.0005), frequency of professional reading (r=0.32, P<0.0005), primary area of practice (r=0.14, P=0.02), association memberships (r=0.14, P=0.02), and dietetic practice group affiliation (r=0.14, P=0.02) were significantly correlated with research score. Using multivariate linear regression, the perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice score (β=0.48, P<0.0005) and level of education (β=0.39, P<0.0005) were identified as the strongest predictors of research score.ConclusionsInvolvement in research by RDs is largely determined by their perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice and their level of education. Additional education and training related to research methodology and design, and evidence-based practice, is essential for greater participation in research activities by RDs.