Abstract
Background
There is a growing need for studies on ketogenic diet (KD) therapies. Registered dietitian
nutritionists (RDNs) should lead efforts to better understand the nutritional risks
and benefits of the KD to inform evidence-based practices.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to explore participation in research among RDNs practicing
in KD therapies for epilepsy and identify barriers to participation.
Design
This cross-sectional study collected professional experience, research involvement
and output, and perceived barriers to conducting research.
Participants/setting
This study surveyed 66 RDNs practicing in KD therapies for epilepsy.
Main outcome measure
Research involvement was assessed using the Dietitian Research Involvement Survey
score. Research output was reported as type and number of publications. Barriers to
research included lack of time, resources, administrative support, training, and/or
skill.
Statistical analyses
Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, such as means and SDs, medians
and interquartile ranges, counts and percentages, as appropriate.
Results
The median Dietitian Research Involvement Survey score was 31 out of 60 (range, 16
to 60). Thirty-two participants (48.5%) reported publishing or presenting data, and
only 13.6% published an article on ketogenic diet therapies as a leading author. The
main barriers to participating in research were insufficient time (83.3%), insufficient
funding (81.8%), and priority of work (70.8%). Research involvement scores were not
affected by lack of time and resources; however, scores were lower in RDNs reporting
lack of interest, training, and skill in research.
Conclusions
Although ketogenic RDNs participated in research, most were not leading projects or
publications. To increase research involvement among RDNs, focus should include overcoming
structural barriers and facilitating knowledge acquisition for those lower on the
research continuum.
Keywords
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Biography
J. Lowe is a researcher and clinical dietitian, Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
Biography
J. Brown is a clinical dietitian, Clinical Nutrition and Lactation, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, California.
Biography
K. Klier is a clinical dietitian, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
Biography
J. D. White is a clinical dietitian, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, Mattel Children's Hospital at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles.
Biography
L. Briceno Alliegro is a clinical dietitian, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
Biography
S. Sewak is a clinical dietitian, University of California Los Angeles Ronald Reagan Medical Center, Mattel Children's Hospital at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles.
Biography
D. Mele-Hayes is a consultant dietitian, My Keto Weigh, Torrance, CA.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 16, 2022
Accepted:
May 12,
2022
Received:
April 12,
2021
Footnotes
Supplementary materials: Figures 1 and 2 are available at www.jandonline.org
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
FUNDING/SUPPORT There is no funding to disclose.
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS All authors made contributions to the conception and design of the study. J. Lowe and J. Brown made substantial contributions to the analysis and interpretation of data for the study. K. Klier and D. Hayes made contributions to the literature review and introduction. S. Sewak, L. Briceno Alliegro, and J. White made contributions to the discussion. J. Lowe and J. Brown were included in critically revising the manuscript for important intellectual content. All authors were involved in final approval of the version to be published and are in agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Identification
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© 2022 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
