Assessing the LGBTQ+ Beliefs, Behaviors, and Competency of Nutrition Professionals: A Mixed-Methods Study

Authors

Anthony Dissen (0000-0003-0828-387X), Stockton UniversityFollow
Christina Riccardo (0009-0005-4736-9395), West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Liam Oliver Lair (0000-0003-4435-732X), West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow

Author Biographical Information

Anthony Dissen, EdD, MPH, MA, RDN, CPH: Tenured Assistant Professor of Health Science, Stockton University School of Health Sciences

Christina Riccardo, EdD, RDN, LDN, FAND: Assistant Professor, West Chester University

Liam Lair, PhD: Associate Professor of Women's and Gender Studies, West Chester University

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals often experience disproportionate levels of physical and mental health issues including nutrition-specific issues such as eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and food insecurity related to psychological distress from discrimination and stigmatization. This study sought to understand nutrition professionals’ LGBTQ+ competence, beliefs, and behaviors. Researchers distributed 2 data collection tools to registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs): the Gay Affirmative Practice Scale (GAP-Scale) and the LGBT Competency Assessment Tool (LGBT-CAT). Data from the GAP-Scale were numerically scored using a 5-point Likert scale, and data from LGBT-CAT were scored on a scale of 0 to 3 points. Qualitative responses were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. GAP-Scale results show that for the Belief Domain, the average score was 4.55, and for the Behavior Domain, the average score was 3.60. LGBT-CAT results show an overall lack of competence, with 4 themes described from qualitative analysis. Pearson correlation shows statistically significant positive correlations between 2 of the 7 items on the LGBT-CAT and responses on the GAP-Scale, with the highest positive correlation (0.850) found between Question 3 of the LGBT-CAT and Question 25 of the GAP-Scale. The RDNs assessed in this study express positive beliefs toward working with LGBTQ+, yet self-reported behaviors and professional actions show underdevelopment and lack of direct skills. Educational efforts at the pre-professional and continuing education levels for nutrition and dietetic professionals should aim to increase LGBTQ+ competence and behaviors to reduce these disparities.

DOI

10.26890/ciwi5328

Recommended Citation

Dissen, Anthony; Riccardo, Christina; and Lair, Liam Oliver (2025) "Assessing the LGBTQ+ Beliefs, Behaviors, and Competency of Nutrition Professionals: A Mixed-Methods Study," Journal of Dietetic Education: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 7.
DOI: 10.26890/ciwi5328
Available at: https://ecommons.udayton.edu/jde/vol3/iss2/7