Implementation science in nutrition: a summary and synthesis

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

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.

High adherence and its influencing factors on multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs)

Adherence to home fortification of foods with multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) is an essential indicator of effective implementation of MNP programmes. A meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the high adherence rate (HAR) to MNPs and further investigate the factors that influence HAR. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE (OVID), Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and VP, from the date of database inception to 9 November 2020. We included peer‐reviewed observational studies that investigated adherence to MNPs. Data on the HAR to MNPs and influencing factors on HAR were extracted and then pooled together. A total of 10 studies were included. The pooled HAR to MNPs was 63.28% (51.12%–74.64%). Among HARs, rates were higher in middle‐income countries (65.21%) than low‐income countries (55.23%). Parental age over 30 years (maternal age OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.08–1.44; paternal age OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04–1.32), children aged 18–36 months (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.12–1.88), maternal educational attainment of college or above (OR = 1.38, 95% CI:1.10–1.73), caregiver with the perception that other mothers use MNPs (OR = 1.52, 95% CI:1.19–1.95), caregiver being aware of the importance of iron (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.18–1.71), caregiver having correct knowledge of MNPs (OR = 1.36, 95% CI:1.19–1.57) and caregiver reporting children have no side effects from MNPs (OR = 2.77, 95% CI: 2.46–3.11) were contributing factors to high adherence to MNPs. The overall HAR to MNPs was relatively low; hence, effective and trusted communication channels need to be established, along with more thorough dissemination of the knowledge of MNPs to caregivers, to improve MNPs adherence rates, especially in low‐income countries.

The Application of Systems Science in Nutrition-Related Behaviors and Outcomes Implementation Research: A Scoping Review

Use of systems science can improve the dissemination and implementation (D&I) process. However, little is known about use of systems science in nutrition D&I research. The purpose of this article is to synthesize the ways in which systems science methodology is applied in nutrition D&I research. Scoping review methodology involved searching 6 academic databases for full-text, peer-reviewed, English articles published between 1970 and 2020 that employed systems science within nutrition D&I research. Data extraction included intervention type, population, study aim, methods, theoretical approach, outcomes, and results. Descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis followed. Thirty-four retained articles qualitatively identified benefits (successful planning and organization of complex interventions) and challenges (limited resources, trainings, and lack of knowledge) to utilizing systems science in nutrition D&I research. Future research should work toward building knowledge capacity among nutrition practitioners by increasing available trainings and resources to enhance the utilization of systems science in nutrition D&I research.