Integrated sustainability awareness in future dietitians: Impact of the Sustainable Nutrition Course
Abstract
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are crucial across various disciplines, including Nutrition and Dietetics. Dietitians must enhance their eco-ethical leadership skills to contribute to these goals and advocate for a healthier planet. This study aimed to assess the acute effects of a 15-week Sustainable Nutrition (SN) course on students' sustainability consciousness and sustainable development awareness. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used, involving students enrolled in the course for the first time (n=39) and those who had never taken it (n=36). Data were collected between September 2022 and January 2023 using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Sustainable Consciousness Questionnaire (SCQ-L), and the Sustainable Development Awareness Scale (SDAS). Sociodemographic characteristics were similar between groups. The SCQ-L "knowledge" sub-dimension scores were significantly higher in students who completed the SN course than those who did not (p=0.043). Additionally, students who took the course scored significantly higher in all SDAS sub-dimensions (economic, social, and environmental) and total SDAS scores (p<0.05). These findings suggest that a SN course can enhance students' sustainability knowledge and awareness of sustainable development. However, long-term, applied educational approaches are necessary to foster eco-ethical leadership and advocacy skills for meaningful behavioral change. Incorporating sustainability-focused courses into the Nutrition and Dietetics curriculum is essential for preparing future dietitians to contribute effectively to the SDGs.
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References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Clinical Sciences (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Neslihan Öner
*
0000-0001-6773-4963
Türkiye
Hasan Durmuş
0000-0001-5719-1475
Türkiye
Arda Borlu
0000-0002-1424-8037
Türkiye
Alpaslan Gözler
0000-0002-0543-4524
Türkiye
Publication Date
April 30, 2026
Submission Date
June 11, 2025
Acceptance Date
April 7, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 18 Number: 1