| The dietetics profession relies on research to advance practice. Evidence-based practice requires the critical evaluation of research literature and integration of the latest investigative findings into clinical practice. This descriptive, cross-sectional study measured dietitians' perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice and how these related to their involvement in research activities using a valid, reliable questionnaire.; The questionnaire, entitled Dietitian Research Involvement, employed Likert scales and coded dichotomous questions to generate two scores for inferential purposes. Dietitians' perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice quantified the PAK Score. The Research Score measured the dietitian's level of research activity. In addition, categorical questions identified key antecedent factors; e.g., sociodemographic characteristics, education/training, professional experiences and employment setting.; The questionnaire was field- and pilot-tested to assure face and content validity. Cronbach alpha coefficients rated reliability for the entire survey at 0.91. The final, revised version of the survey was mailed to 500 members of seven selected Dietetic Practice Groups of the American Dietetic Association. Using the Tailored Design Method, a 60.6% (n = 303) response rate was achieved with 258 (51.6%) usable questionnaires for data analysis.; The strongest predictors for PAK Score were antecedent factors in the education/training and professional experiences categories; e.g., ‘level of education,’ ‘last time having read a research article,’ ‘work status’ and ‘additional professional association memberships.’ Employment setting had less of an influence on PAK Score. Only the ‘type of institution’ was identified as a predictor in the preliminary regression models. PAK Score and ‘level of education’ predicted research activities (Research Score). Results suggest that dietitians are not applying evidence-based principles in practice, and acquisition of these skills is necessary for initiating and conducting research. Resources and educational programs are needed to assist dietitians in adopting evidence-based practice, thereby increasing their involvement in research activities. |
