Predictors for Research Involvement among Registered Dietitians

Objective: The 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. Design: This cross-sectional, descriptive study used the Dietitian Research Involvement Survey and followed the Tailored Design Method. Subjects/setting: This study surveyed 258 randomly selected RDs from seven dietetic practice groups of the American Dietetic Association. Statistical Analyses Performed: Descriptive 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. Results: Perceptions, 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. Conclusions: Involvement 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.