Research
Dietitians of Canada has three principal vehicles for promoting and communicating dietetic research:
Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research
A charitable foundation established by DC in 1991 to provide grants for research by dietitians. These grants are awarded from a research fund made possible by donations received from corporations, individuals and other charitable foundations who share our concern for the nutritional wellbeing of Canadians.
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
A quarterly journal distributed to every member of Dietitians of Canada as well as to subscribing nutrition professionals, researchers, academic institutions and health organizations internationally. The focus is research results and experience-sharing.
Canadian Inventory of Nutrition and Dietetic Associated Research
This unique database was created to provide a consolidated source of nutrition and dietetic research activity in Canada.
Practice-based research is the cornerstone of quality dietetic practice and sound professional advice contributing to the protection and promotion of health for all Canadians. Dietitians of Canada is committed to strengthening dietetic research.
Some examples of applied research by dietitians that have paid dividends in the past include:
- a study in Halifax developed effective methods for improving nutrition among economically disadvantaged groups and provided data which made nutrition educators more sensitive to the needs of disadvantaged populations
- research in Edmonton led to recommendations which improved motivational factors and reduced drop-out from a weight control program for obese patients
- in Hamilton-Wentworth an investigation into supermarket tours as a vehicle for nutrition education demonstrated that such visits have a positive result and exerted a significant influence on food selection behaviour.