Perceptions on inclusion of spirituality in counselling among dietitians and nutritionists in Pahang
During the last decades there has been a considerable number of studies showing positive associations between spirituality-religiosity and health. These studies could be unfamiliar to health professionals, because spiritual issues are perceived as personal and private. This present study was conduct...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Conference or Workshop Item |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2018
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/66054/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/66054/1/MDA%20Congress%202018%20_%20Abstract%20Submission%20-%20%5BReference%20Number%20212%5D%20Nur%20Zaliqah.pdf |
| Summary: | During the last decades there has been a considerable number of studies showing positive associations between spirituality-religiosity and health. These studies could be unfamiliar to health professionals, because spiritual issues are perceived as personal and private. This present study was conducted to explore the perception and readiness to discuss about spirituality issues during counselling among dietitians and nutritionists.
A cross-sectional survey using self-administered questionnaire was conducted online through google form. The link to the google form was sent to dietitians and nutritionists by email and social media. A total 24 respondents (9 males and 15 females) completed the questionnaire within the study period. Among them, 58.3% reported to have attended formal religious education.
Result shows that all respondents (100%) agreed that faith is important for them while 62.5% would not have problem exploring spiritual issues with someone else. Majority, 91.7% believe that spirituality do play a role in helping patients coping with their illnesses and 75% admitted that they do advised their patients to look to God for strength, support, and guidance during crises. It was noted that 79.2% are aware that there is nutrition guideline from religious perspective, and 62.5% thought that these guidelines may be easier for patient to understand. It was also found that 83.3% felt uncomfortable to talk about spirituality issues during counselling but are willing to talk about it if asked. This could be explained by 58.3% who admitted to have never been trained on inclusion of spirituality in counselling.
In conclusion, the respondents believe that spirituality issues is important but are not comfortable to talk about it with their patients. This is very much influenced by inadequacy of training about spirituality issues. |
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