Background: The knowledge, involvement, and self-confidence of nutrition professionals are highly required in the implementation of gene-based nutrition services. The limited number of nutrition professionals applying gene-based nutrition services poses a unique challenge in the developmental process of gene-based nutrition services in Indonesia. Objectives: This study aims to identify the association between the knowledge, engagement, and confidence levels of nutrition workers with gene-based nutrition services in Indonesia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in May-June 2023. The participants consisted of nutrition workers from five provinces in Indonesia. The instrument of this study used structured questionnaires encompassing socio-demographic information, knowledge, engagement, and confidence levels of nutrition workers distributed using the Qualtrics Survey platform. Data analysis employed the chi-square test with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Results: This study involved a total of 423 respondents. Findings indicated that 53.4% of nutrition workers possessed limited knowledge, 60.0% exhibited minimal engagement, and 51.8% held low confidence levels in gene-based nutrition services. Notably, a significant correlation was identified between knowledge and confidence in gene-based nutrition services (p=0.001; PR=2.0; CI=1.35-2.94). Additionally, a significant association was present between knowledge and engagement in gene-based nutrition services (p=0.001; PR=2.00; CI=1.34-2.96). Conclusions: This study highlights the association of low nutritionists’ knowledge with low personal involvement and confidence levels to gene-based nutrition services in Indonesia. Nutrition professionals are encouraged to enhance their grasp of genetics and its relevance to nutrition through dedicated training, participation in seminars, and ongoing education initiatives.
Copyrights © 2024