Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to inform development of a Dissemination and Implementation science training for nutrition practitioners

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To determine nutrition practitioners’ attitudes, behavioural control and normative beliefs to best inform the development and formulation of a nutrition-specific Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) science training. Design: A cross-sectional survey aimed to assess Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) constructs and intention to use D&I science. A validated TPB questionnaire assessed constructs including perceived behavioural control, subjective, injunctive and descriptive normative beliefs, attitudes and intention to use D&I science. For analysis, Spearman’s ρ, Kruskal–Wallis and Steel–Dwass tests were conducted for quantitative variables. Setting: Online, 26-item Qualtrics survey. Participants: Cross-sectional sample of members (n 70) affiliated with the Society for Nutrition Education and Behaviour listserv. Results: The major finding from this study was a significant positive correlation between perceived behavioural control score and intention (r = 0·315, P = 0·0119). Conclusions: D&I training interventions could formulate learning and teaching strategies to target perceived behavioural control (self-efficacy, knowledge and ability) to enhance intention. For example, application and experience-based learning techniques trainings could be strategies to increase knowledge and abilities.

Keywords

• Dissemination and Implementation science
• Theory of Planned Behaviour
• Nutrition
• Nutrition interventions
• Training development