Nowledge and attitudes about veg(etari)an diets among nutrition professionals in Argentina

Abstract

Introduction: globally, the number of people who adhere to different variants of vegetarian diets has been progressively increasing. This involves, among other challenges, having health and nutrition professionals who can respond to the particular needs and demands of these groups.
Objective: to search knowledge and attitudes of graduates in Nutrition of Argentina on ovo-lacto-vegetarian and vegan diets.
Materials and method: for this observational, exploratory and cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was designed to assess knowledge and attitudes about veg(etari)an diets. The sampling was non-probabilistic, intentional, summoning nutrition professionals residing in Argentina. The statistical program SPSS 29.0.0.0 was used for data analysis.
Results: the sample consisted of 318 professionals. Higher levels of information about key issues of veg(etari)an food and nutrition, as well as attitudes oriented to interest in the impact of diet on the environment and / or animal welfare, were significantly associated with belonging to the youngest age range, fewer years elapsed since graduation from the undergraduate career and adherence to ovo-lacto- vegetarian and vegan diets. The vast majority of professionals expressed acceptance and understanding towards the choices of vegan patients.
Conclusions: the knowledge and attitudes observed would be more related to generational circumstances and personal choices than to academic training. It is necessary to systematically include in the undergraduate courses contents of veg(etari)an food and nutrition with a comprehensive approach, contemplating nutritional, environmental and sociocultural aspects.