Registered Dietitian Nutritionists’ Knowledge, Confidence, and Experiences with Treating Trafficked Individuals: A Call for Interprofessional Continuing Education

Authors

Christen C. Cooper, Pace UniversityFollow
Lydia McRoberts, McRoberts Functional NutritionFollow

Author Biographical Information

Christen Cupples Cooper, EdD, RDN, is the coordinated MS in Nutrition and Dietetics program founder and an assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics at Pace University. Dr. Cooper researches child nutrition and a variety of aspects of the future of nutrition and dietetics. Lydia McRoberts, MS, RDN, LD, graduated from Ball State University's MS in Nutrition and Dietetics program. She is principal of McRoberts Functional Nutrition.

Abstract

Background: Victims of human trafficking (HT) frequently face malnutrition, dehydration, low food security, and infections. When identified, victims of HT are normally treated with interprofessional team (IPT) care that often excludes Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). Although RDNs are trained to treat these conditions, they may lack knowledge, confidence, and skills, for working with this population, as well as the opportunities to work on such IPTs. To date, no study has explored RDNs’ knowledge of or work with individuals who are trafficked. Objective: To explore RDNs’: HT knowledge, confidence in the ability to work with victims of HT, and barriers to working with victims of HT on IPTs. Study Design, Setting, Participants: This was a cross-sectional study involving a 43-question survey completed by RDNs (n=241) working in a variety of settings. Measurable Outcome/Analysis: Descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and ANOVA were used to determine RDNs’ knowledge of HT; level of confidence to assist victims; experience with victims; barriers to working with this population; and preferred methods of HT professional development. Results: Participants were largely female (97%), white (97%), and over half had 10+ years of practice. More than two-thirds of participants (37%) indicated they were “not at all” confident in caring for victims of HT. Those aged 30-44 and those with 3-5 years of practice scored highest on HT knowledge. Barriers to working with victims of HT included a lack of HT education, known cases in the workplace, and full patient histories. RDNs indicated they desired more HT education and prefer webinars as a continuing education modality.

Recommended Citation

Cooper, Christen C. and McRoberts, Lydia (2024) "Registered Dietitian Nutritionists’ Knowledge, Confidence, and Experiences with Treating Trafficked Individuals: A Call for Interprofessional Continuing Education," Journal of Dietetic Education: Vol. 2: Iss. 2, Article 6.
Available at: https://ecommons.udayton.edu/jde/vol2/iss2/6