South African Dietitians' Knowledge and Perceptions of Food-Drug Interactions and Factors Affecting It

Background

Dietitians ensure that patients receive tailored medical nutrition therapy to integrate with pharmacotherapy safely. Dietitians require a pharmacological understanding to prevent detrimental food-drug interactions (FDIs). The study investigated dietitians' knowledge of FDIs and their information sourcing.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among registered South African dietitians to assess their knowledge of FDIs, the impact of food timing on drugs, and their sources of FDI information. The questionnaire included demographics, a 12-question knowledge assessment, and a qualitative section on information sourcing. Data from 70 valid responses, collected between 2 August and 19 September 2022, were analysed statistically using analysis of variance and chi-square tests to determine whether associations between knowledge scores and demographic factors were present.

Results and Discussion

Out of 70 responses, most participants were female (97.1%) and 47.1% had over 10 years of experience. The participants primarily worked in the areas of dietetics related to chronic and lifestyle-related disorders (75.7%) across various work settings, including in-patient care (32.8%), out-patient care (41.4%), and multi-disciplinary team environments (31.4%). Although not generalisable due to the low response rate (70 out of the 304 required responses for a 5% margin of error), knowledge deficiencies were observed. A cumulative mean knowledge score of 38.3% was observed, with gaps identified for fundamental FDIs. Drug package inserts (55.7%) and clinical websites (68.6%) were primarily used to source information regarding FDIs; however, the former did not always provide sufficient information. Participants proposed that knowledge deficiencies could be overcome with further education, and the development and/or use of mobile applications or summarisations that elaborate on FDIs.

Conclusion

Knowledge gaps and uncertainties were identified regarding fundamental FDIs; however, further research is needed to pinpoint the specific sources of these deficiencies and the factors influencing them. To improve dietitians' knowledge of FDIs and ensure alignment with their scope and standard of practice, undergraduate curricula should be bolstered and benchmarked to national needs to facilitate graduate development, and additional learning opportunities provided, such as webinars and continuing professional development (CPD), to allow for continuous education for practicing dietitians.