Practices and resilience of dieticians during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national survey in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the practices and resilience of most healthcare workers, including dieticians. In addition to offering critical care to COVID-19 patients, dieticians play a major role in preventing and managing conditions known to affect COVID-19, such as obesity and metabolic disorders. The objective of this study was to examine the conditions and changes in the work environment as well as resilience and its correlates among dieticians during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods A cross-sectional national survey was conducted among dieticians practicing in the UAE (n = 371), using a web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire addressed, in addition to the sociodemographic information, the practice-related characteristics and resilience of participants. For the latter the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale© was used. Descriptive statistics as well as simple and multiple linear regressions were used in the statistical analysis. Results Of participants, 26.4% reported not having access to personal protective equipment and 50% indicated being concerned for their safety and health. Furthermore, considerable proportions of participants were not satisfied (45%) with the support nor with the appreciation (37.7%) they received during the pandemic. One in four dieticians considered quitting his/her job. While 65.8% of participants reported counseling COVID-19 patients, a third did not use any online platform for counseling. The most cited challenge to dietetic practice during the pandemic was ‘maintaining work-life balance’ (43.1%). The mean CD-RISC score was 72.0 ± 14.0. After adjustment, working in a hospital or public clinic (as opposed to private clinic), having a condition preventing face-to-face counseling, considering quitting job and feeling neutral or dissatisfied with the appreciation were associated with lower resilience scores, while counseling COVID-19 patients was associated with higher scores. Conclusions Despite the fairly high resilience among dieticians practicing in the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic, the findings of this study highlighted a few challenges, mainly related to safe practice environment, support for online counseling, and maintaining work-life balance. Concerted efforts of policy and decision makers ought to develop targeted programs for dieticians to ensure their retention and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A global overview of healthcare workers’ turnover intention amid COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review with future directions

“…In addition, COVID-19-associated discrimination was positively correlated with turnover intention, as it contributed to aggravating factors, such as poor mental health and burnout [ 44 ]. On the other hand, resilience within HCWs was found to be negatively correlated with turnover intention [ 27 – 29 , 52 ], with two studies concluding that it acted as a protective mechanism against factors that contributed to turnover intention [ 43 , 44 ]. Professional commitment and job satisfaction were other psychological factors that were associated with reduced turnover intention within nurses and physicians, respectively [ 26 , 64 ].…”

A Study of United States Registered Dietitian Nutritionists during COVID-19: From Impact to Adaptation

“…Studies have identified barriers to nutrition care practice and reported on changes in the work environment as well as resilience levels of dietitians during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, research evaluating the impact of the pandemic on the personal health of dietitians is lacking [16,17]. This present study seeks to represent RDNs in emerging research and uncover new information on the influence of stress and life disruption on these professionals' weight, health habits, psychological factors, and professional practices, and on whether professional training as an RDN can be perceived as a protective factor in maintaining healthy habits.…”

A Snapshot of the Experience of Dietitians during the COVID-19 Crisis in Five Arab Countries: Findings from a Regional Cross-Sectional Study

“…Dietitians, who serve as the foundation of any healthcare facility, have made significant contributions to the COVID-19 pandemic response [9]. Dietitians are specialists in determining the patient's dietary needs while considering the patient's age, gender, and any other underlying medical issues that may exist [10]. Nutrition is critical in assisting COVID-19 patients in fighting the infection and rapid recovery in the in-patient and out-patient settings [11].…”

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, dietitians have shouldered additional responsibilities that are deemed outside of their typical responsibilities, such as screening for COVID-19, and starting new duties in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) [14]. According to a recent study [10], 40% of dieticians left their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Others claimed that trying to maintain a work-life balance while working in such a pandemic was the toughest for them [10].…”

“…According to a recent study [10], 40% of dieticians left their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Others claimed that trying to maintain a work-life balance while working in such a pandemic was the toughest for them [10]. Dietitians working in the ICU, in particular, had critical challenges to deal with [15].…”