Perceptions of Medical and Nursing Students on Incorporating Nutrition Into Standard Care Practice: Strengthening Nutrition Education in Healthcare Training

Abstract

Lifestyle modification is a common preventive strategy used by healthcare professionals to manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs), yet the demand for related knowledge in medical education remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to determine the perceptions of future doctors and nurses regarding the incorporation of nutrition into standard care practices, reflecting their desires for related knowledge. A total of 352 medical (years 1 to 5) and nursing (years 1 to 4) students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) were recruited. Information regarding demographic characteristics, as well as perceptions of nutrition in routine care and clinical behaviors, was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire circulated online via Google Forms. Results showed that almost all students expressed positive perceptions regarding the incorporation of preventative healthcare, nutrition counseling, and nutritional assessment during routine care. Similarly, respondents perceived performing nutritional counseling and assessments for patients with NCDs as important and acceptable. No significant differences in the mean perception scores of nutrition in routine care and clinical behaviors were found between programs and genders. In conclusion, the findings highlight the need to strengthen nutrition education with scientifically grounded content for future doctors and nurses, especially during their undergraduate studies.