Examining the Relationship Between Dietitians’ Lifelong Learning Tendencies and Their Job Satisfaction
                                    
                                 
                                
                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Yıl 2025,
                                                                                        Cilt: 12 Sayı: 2,                                                                                                                 466 - 484,                                     31.08.2025                                
                                
                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                
                                                        Hilal Toklu Baloğlu
                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                            
                                                
                                                                                                    ,
                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                
                                                        Sema Çalapkorur
                                                                                                            
                                                
                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                    
                                
                                
                                                                    
                                        Öz
                                        Objectives: Our study aimed to examine the relationship between lifelong learning tendencies and job satisfaction of dietitians who provide consultancy to individuals by using their knowledge and skills to ensure their health.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 15.06.2024 and 15.10.2024 with actively working dietitians aged 22-65. Data were collected from 300 dietitians via an online survey.  The Lifelong Learning Competency Scale (LLCS) is used to determine their perceptions of competence towards the lifelong learning approach. The Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale (MSQ) included questions about the sub-factors of internal and external satisfaction and job satisfaction.
Results: The study included 91.0% women and 9.0% men. Dietitians working in clinics had higher scores for both job satisfaction and lifelong learning tendencies (p<0.05). In terms of total job satisfaction score, the average of private sector employees is significantly higher than public employees (p<0.001). A correlation was also found between the total scores and sub-dimensions of MSQ and LLCS (p<0.001). While factors such as age, professional experience, and field of study did not have a significant effect on job satisfaction, working in the private sector (p<0.05), and lifelong learning tendency showed a significant relationship (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Clinical dietitian job satisfaction is positively affected by both the tendency for lifelong learning and working in the private sector is associated with greater job satisfaction. It would be useful to develop strategies to increase the satisfaction of dietitians working in areas such as polyclinics and refectories or in the public sector.
                                     
                                
                                                                                                    
                                
                                                                                                    
                                        Etik Beyan
                                        All procedures were conducted by the Declaration of Helsinki, and this study has been approved by the Bitlis Eren University Ethical Principles and Ethics Committee (approval number: 2024/05-7). We informed dietitians about the research.
                                     
                                
                                                                
                                
                                                                
                                                                    
                                        Kaynakça
                                        
                                            
                                                                                                    - 
                                                        Afonso, P., Ramos, M. R., Saraiva, S., Moreira, C. A., & Figueira, M. L. (2014). Assessing the relation between career satisfaction in psychiatry with lifelong learning and scientific activity. Psychiatry Research, 217(3), 210-214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2014.03.044
- 
                                                        Alonderiene, R. (2010). Enhancing informal learning to improve job satisfaction: Perspective of SMEs managers in Lithuania. Baltic Journal of Management, 5, 257-287. https://doi: 10.1108/17465261011045151
- 
                                                        Basit, G., & Bakır, D. (2023). Hemşirelerin yaşam boyu öğrenme motivasyonlarının belirlenmesi. [determining the lifelong learning motivations of nurses]. Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Dergisi, 5(1), 17-22. https://doi:10.48071/sbuhemsirelik.1213012
- 
                                                        Baycan, F. A. (1985). An analysis of the several aspects of job satisfaction between different occupational groups. (Tez Numarası: 399653). ) [Yüksek lisans tezi, Boğaziçi Üniversitesi]. Yükseköğretim Kurulu Ulusal Tez Merkezi.
- 
                                                        Çetinkaya, B., Gülaçtı, F., Çiftçi, Z., & Kağan, M. (2019). Öğretmenlerin yaşam boyu öğrenme eğilimlerinin ve mesleki doyumlarının çeşitli değişkenler açısından incelenmesi. Trakya Eğitim Dergisi, 9(4), 809-823. https://doi: 10.24315/tred.529759
- 
                                                        Dağ, A., Cakir, B., Fatma, N., Kılınç, E., & Türkmen. (2019). General profile and job satisfaction of Turkish dietitians. Progress in Nutrition, 21, 531-536. https://doi:10.23751/pn.v21i3.7792
- 
                                                        Erşan, E. E., Yıldırım, G., Doğan, O., & Doğan, S. (2013). Sağlık çalışanlarının iş doyumu ve algılanan iş stresi ile aralarındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Anadolu Psikiyatri Dergisi, 14(2), 115-121. https://doi: 10.5455/apd.34482
- 
                                                        Gonzalez, A. L., Lynch, P. A., Dorner, B., & Arensberg, M. B. (2023). Historical perspective and current state review: advancing lifelong learning and continuing professional education in nutrition and dietetics to expand opportunities, equity, access, and future transformations. Dietetics, 2(4), 321-333. https://doi.org/10.3390/dietetics2040023
- 
                                                        Hinrichs, R. J. (2018). Dietetic interns' perceptions and use of evidence-based practice: an exploratory study. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 106(1), 65-73. https://doi: 10.5195/jmla.2018.308
- 
                                                        Kim, J. Y., & Lee, Y. E. (2014). Job satisfaction and engagement of school food service dietitians and nutrition teachers in Chungbuk. Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition, 43(6), 943-954 https://doi:10.3746/jkfn.2014.43.6.943
- 
                                                        Kirkland, J. (2013). Informal Learning Basics. Performance Improvement, 52. 41-44. https://doi: 10.1002/pfi.21335
- 
                                                        McCullougha, F., Griffinb, A., García-Gonzálezc, A. (2023). From Novice to expert–unveiling the power of lifelong learning in dietetic practice. Kompass Nutrition & Dietetics, 2. 80-82.   https://doi:10.1159/000533367
- 
                                                        Ongan, D., Ayer, Ç., Çankaya, E., Çiftçi, Z., & Bozdağ, A.N.S. (2021). Diyetisyenlerin bireysel beslenme danışmanlığını etkileyen etmenler hakkındaki düşünceleri ve iş doyumu. Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, 5(2), 315-332. https://doi.org/10.46237/amusbfd.890247
- 
                                                        Petersen, S. E. (2021). Lifelong learning as a clinical academic key to job satisfaction. Heart, 107(11), 934-935. https://doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-318317
- 
                                                        Petrillo, T. (2003). Lifelong learning goals: individual steps that propel the profession of dietetics. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 103(3), 298-300. https://doi:10.1053/jada.2003.50071
- 
                                                        Raosoft.   (2024, Nov 25). Sample size calculator. http://www.raosoft.com/samplesize.html
- 
                                                        Rençber, S. Y. (2012). Batman ili sağlık sektöründe kamu ve özel hastanelerde görev yapan yöneticilerin iş doyumu ve iş doyumunu etkileyen faktörler. [Yüksek Lisans Tezi], Fırat Üniversitesi  Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü.
- 
                                                        Rusali, R., Jamaluddin, R., Md Yusop, N. B., & Ghazali, H. (2020). Management responsibilities among dietitians: what is the level of job satisfaction and skills involved? A scoping review. Malaysian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, 16(106). 205-212.
- 
                                                        Sauer, K., Canter, D., & Shanklin, C. (2010). Job satisfaction of dietitians with management responsibilities: an exploratory study supporting ADA's research priorities. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 110(10), 1432, 1434, 1437-1440. https://doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2010.08.024
- 
                                                        Sevinç, Ş., & Çelebi, M. (2020). Öğretmenlerin Yaşam Boyu Öğrenme Eğilimleri ile İş Doyumları Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi. [Investigating the Relationship Between Lifelong Learning Trends and Job Satisfaction of Teachers]. OPUS International Journal of Society Researches, 16(29 Ekim Özel Sayısı), 3533-3564. https://doi:10.26466/opus.696882
- 
                                                        Shields, M. A., & Ward, M. (2001). Improving nurse retention in the National Health Service in England: the impact of job satisfaction on intentions to quit. Journal of Health Economics, 20(5), 677-701. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-6296(01)00092-3
- 
                                                        Şirin, M. A. (2023). Sağlık kuruluşunda çalışanların yaşam boyu öğrenme eğilimi ve değişime direnç düzeyleri: Bir özel hastane uygulaması. [Yüksek Lisans Tezi], İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Lisansüstü Eğitim Enstitüsü, İstanbul.  
 
Tilev, S., & Beydağ, K. D. (2014). Job satisfaction level of nurses. Journal of Health and Nursing Management, 1(3), 140-147. https://doi:10.5222/shyd.2014.140
- 
                                                        Torun, B., & Güvercin Seçkin, G. (2021). Öğretmenlerin yaşam boyu öğrenme yeterlikleri ve iş doyum düzeylerinin incelenmesi. Edu 7: Yeditepe Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 10(12), 1-22.
- 
                                                        Turan, T., Gulhan, Y. B., & Yilmaz, S. (2018). Stress factors affecting job satisfaction and job satisfaction in health care workers: Akdeniz university hospital nursing services example.  PressAcademia Procedia, 7(1), 116-121. https://doi: 10.17261/Pressacademia.2018.865
- 
                                                        Um, M. H., Lyu, E. S., Lee, S. M., & Park, Y. K. (2018). International hospital accreditation and clinical nutrition service in acute care hospitals in South Korea: results of a nationwide cross-sectional survey. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 27(1), 158–166. https://doi.org/10.6133/apjcn.032017.25
- 
                                                        Uzunboylu, H., & Hürsen, Ç. (2011). Yaşam boyu öğrenme yeterlik ölçeği (YBÖYÖ): Geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışması. Hacettepe Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 41(41), 449-460.
- 
                                                        van den Berg, L., de Beer, S.-m., Claassen, T., Meyer, J., Strydom, I., van Rooyen, C., & Spies, H. (2024). Job satisfaction and perception of workloads among dietitians and nutritionists registered in South Africa. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 37(1), 38-48. https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2023.2237827
- 
                                                        Wallace, C. L. S. (2014). Learning to Practice: A Case Study of the Experiences of Public Health Registered Dietitians in Professional Lifelong Learning" [Electronic Theses and Dissertations.] https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/992
- 
                                                        Weiss, D. J., Dawis, R. V., & England, G. W. (1967). Manual for the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Minnesota Studies in Vocational Rehabilitation, 22, 120-120.
- 
                                                        Yaginuma-Sakurai, K., Saito, C., Kasahara, Y., Tsuno, K., Yoshimasu, K., Tatsuta, N., . . . Nakai, K. (2024). Work engagement and associated factors among Japanese registered dietitians and dietitians: a cross-sectional study. Industrial Health, 62(3), 161-169. https://doi:10.2486/indhealth.2023-0094
 
                                     
                                                             
                                                                                
                                
                                
                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Yıl 2025,
                                                                                        Cilt: 12 Sayı: 2,                                                                                                                 466 - 484,                                     31.08.2025                                
                                
                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                
                                                        Hilal Toklu Baloğlu
                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                            
                                                
                                                                                                    ,
                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                
                                                        Sema Çalapkorur
                                                                                                            
                                                
                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                    
                                
                                
                                                                    
                                
                                                                
                                                                
                                                                
                                
                                                                
                                                                    
                                        Kaynakça
                                        
                                            
                                                                                                    - 
                                                        Afonso, P., Ramos, M. R., Saraiva, S., Moreira, C. A., & Figueira, M. L. (2014). Assessing the relation between career satisfaction in psychiatry with lifelong learning and scientific activity. Psychiatry Research, 217(3), 210-214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2014.03.044
- 
                                                        Alonderiene, R. (2010). Enhancing informal learning to improve job satisfaction: Perspective of SMEs managers in Lithuania. Baltic Journal of Management, 5, 257-287. https://doi: 10.1108/17465261011045151
- 
                                                        Basit, G., & Bakır, D. (2023). Hemşirelerin yaşam boyu öğrenme motivasyonlarının belirlenmesi. [determining the lifelong learning motivations of nurses]. Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Dergisi, 5(1), 17-22. https://doi:10.48071/sbuhemsirelik.1213012
- 
                                                        Baycan, F. A. (1985). An analysis of the several aspects of job satisfaction between different occupational groups. (Tez Numarası: 399653). ) [Yüksek lisans tezi, Boğaziçi Üniversitesi]. Yükseköğretim Kurulu Ulusal Tez Merkezi.
- 
                                                        Çetinkaya, B., Gülaçtı, F., Çiftçi, Z., & Kağan, M. (2019). Öğretmenlerin yaşam boyu öğrenme eğilimlerinin ve mesleki doyumlarının çeşitli değişkenler açısından incelenmesi. Trakya Eğitim Dergisi, 9(4), 809-823. https://doi: 10.24315/tred.529759
- 
                                                        Dağ, A., Cakir, B., Fatma, N., Kılınç, E., & Türkmen. (2019). General profile and job satisfaction of Turkish dietitians. Progress in Nutrition, 21, 531-536. https://doi:10.23751/pn.v21i3.7792
- 
                                                        Erşan, E. E., Yıldırım, G., Doğan, O., & Doğan, S. (2013). Sağlık çalışanlarının iş doyumu ve algılanan iş stresi ile aralarındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Anadolu Psikiyatri Dergisi, 14(2), 115-121. https://doi: 10.5455/apd.34482
- 
                                                        Gonzalez, A. L., Lynch, P. A., Dorner, B., & Arensberg, M. B. (2023). Historical perspective and current state review: advancing lifelong learning and continuing professional education in nutrition and dietetics to expand opportunities, equity, access, and future transformations. Dietetics, 2(4), 321-333. https://doi.org/10.3390/dietetics2040023
- 
                                                        Hinrichs, R. J. (2018). Dietetic interns' perceptions and use of evidence-based practice: an exploratory study. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 106(1), 65-73. https://doi: 10.5195/jmla.2018.308
- 
                                                        Kim, J. Y., & Lee, Y. E. (2014). Job satisfaction and engagement of school food service dietitians and nutrition teachers in Chungbuk. Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition, 43(6), 943-954 https://doi:10.3746/jkfn.2014.43.6.943
- 
                                                        Kirkland, J. (2013). Informal Learning Basics. Performance Improvement, 52. 41-44. https://doi: 10.1002/pfi.21335
- 
                                                        McCullougha, F., Griffinb, A., García-Gonzálezc, A. (2023). From Novice to expert–unveiling the power of lifelong learning in dietetic practice. Kompass Nutrition & Dietetics, 2. 80-82.   https://doi:10.1159/000533367
- 
                                                        Ongan, D., Ayer, Ç., Çankaya, E., Çiftçi, Z., & Bozdağ, A.N.S. (2021). Diyetisyenlerin bireysel beslenme danışmanlığını etkileyen etmenler hakkındaki düşünceleri ve iş doyumu. Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, 5(2), 315-332. https://doi.org/10.46237/amusbfd.890247
- 
                                                        Petersen, S. E. (2021). Lifelong learning as a clinical academic key to job satisfaction. Heart, 107(11), 934-935. https://doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-318317
- 
                                                        Petrillo, T. (2003). Lifelong learning goals: individual steps that propel the profession of dietetics. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 103(3), 298-300. https://doi:10.1053/jada.2003.50071
- 
                                                        Raosoft.   (2024, Nov 25). Sample size calculator. http://www.raosoft.com/samplesize.html
- 
                                                        Rençber, S. Y. (2012). Batman ili sağlık sektöründe kamu ve özel hastanelerde görev yapan yöneticilerin iş doyumu ve iş doyumunu etkileyen faktörler. [Yüksek Lisans Tezi], Fırat Üniversitesi  Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü.
- 
                                                        Rusali, R., Jamaluddin, R., Md Yusop, N. B., & Ghazali, H. (2020). Management responsibilities among dietitians: what is the level of job satisfaction and skills involved? A scoping review. Malaysian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, 16(106). 205-212.
- 
                                                        Sauer, K., Canter, D., & Shanklin, C. (2010). Job satisfaction of dietitians with management responsibilities: an exploratory study supporting ADA's research priorities. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 110(10), 1432, 1434, 1437-1440. https://doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2010.08.024
- 
                                                        Sevinç, Ş., & Çelebi, M. (2020). Öğretmenlerin Yaşam Boyu Öğrenme Eğilimleri ile İş Doyumları Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi. [Investigating the Relationship Between Lifelong Learning Trends and Job Satisfaction of Teachers]. OPUS International Journal of Society Researches, 16(29 Ekim Özel Sayısı), 3533-3564. https://doi:10.26466/opus.696882
- 
                                                        Shields, M. A., & Ward, M. (2001). Improving nurse retention in the National Health Service in England: the impact of job satisfaction on intentions to quit. Journal of Health Economics, 20(5), 677-701. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-6296(01)00092-3
- 
                                                        Şirin, M. A. (2023). Sağlık kuruluşunda çalışanların yaşam boyu öğrenme eğilimi ve değişime direnç düzeyleri: Bir özel hastane uygulaması. [Yüksek Lisans Tezi], İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Lisansüstü Eğitim Enstitüsü, İstanbul.  
 
Tilev, S., & Beydağ, K. D. (2014). Job satisfaction level of nurses. Journal of Health and Nursing Management, 1(3), 140-147. https://doi:10.5222/shyd.2014.140
- 
                                                        Torun, B., & Güvercin Seçkin, G. (2021). Öğretmenlerin yaşam boyu öğrenme yeterlikleri ve iş doyum düzeylerinin incelenmesi. Edu 7: Yeditepe Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 10(12), 1-22.
- 
                                                        Turan, T., Gulhan, Y. B., & Yilmaz, S. (2018). Stress factors affecting job satisfaction and job satisfaction in health care workers: Akdeniz university hospital nursing services example.  PressAcademia Procedia, 7(1), 116-121. https://doi: 10.17261/Pressacademia.2018.865
- 
                                                        Um, M. H., Lyu, E. S., Lee, S. M., & Park, Y. K. (2018). International hospital accreditation and clinical nutrition service in acute care hospitals in South Korea: results of a nationwide cross-sectional survey. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 27(1), 158–166. https://doi.org/10.6133/apjcn.032017.25
- 
                                                        Uzunboylu, H., & Hürsen, Ç. (2011). Yaşam boyu öğrenme yeterlik ölçeği (YBÖYÖ): Geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışması. Hacettepe Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 41(41), 449-460.
- 
                                                        van den Berg, L., de Beer, S.-m., Claassen, T., Meyer, J., Strydom, I., van Rooyen, C., & Spies, H. (2024). Job satisfaction and perception of workloads among dietitians and nutritionists registered in South Africa. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 37(1), 38-48. https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2023.2237827
- 
                                                        Wallace, C. L. S. (2014). Learning to Practice: A Case Study of the Experiences of Public Health Registered Dietitians in Professional Lifelong Learning" [Electronic Theses and Dissertations.] https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/992
- 
                                                        Weiss, D. J., Dawis, R. V., & England, G. W. (1967). Manual for the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Minnesota Studies in Vocational Rehabilitation, 22, 120-120.
- 
                                                        Yaginuma-Sakurai, K., Saito, C., Kasahara, Y., Tsuno, K., Yoshimasu, K., Tatsuta, N., . . . Nakai, K. (2024). Work engagement and associated factors among Japanese registered dietitians and dietitians: a cross-sectional study. Industrial Health, 62(3), 161-169. https://doi:10.2486/indhealth.2023-0094