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The intersection of systems thinking and structural empowerment in the work of public health dietitians.
Tagtow, Angela M; Welter, Christina; Seweryn, Steven; Spiker, Marie L; Lange, Jill; Asada, Yuka.
Afiliación
  • Tagtow AM; Äkta Strategies, LLC, Elkhart, Iowa, USA.
  • Welter C; School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
  • Seweryn S; School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
  • Spiker ML; School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
  • Lange J; Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
  • Asada Y; School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
J Hum Nutr Diet ; 2024 Sep 16.
Article en En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39285644
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Public health dietitians navigate complex professional landscapes amid dwindling resources, organisational disruptions and limited advancement opportunities. Cultivating systems thinking and structural empowerment competencies may enable this workforce to address multifaceted public health challenges more effectively. This study explored the extent to which public health dietitians apply systems thinking and perceive access to structural empowerment and the relationship between these constructs.

METHODS:

A quantitative online survey incorporating the systems thinking scale (STS) and conditions for work effectiveness questionnaire-II (CWEQ-II) was conducted among US public health dietitians who worked in governmental public health. Data were collected from September 2022 to October 2022. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted.

RESULTS:

Among 216 respondents, 98% demonstrated moderate-to-high systems thinking competency (mean STS score = 60.3 ± 8.74, range 28-78). Over 88% reported moderate-to-high perceived structural empowerment (mean CWEQ-II score = 18.3 ± 0.96, range 8-29). Higher systems thinking scores were associated with greater decision-making authority (p = 0.01) but not budget oversight. Higher structural empowerment scores correlated with increased job responsibilities and decision-making authority (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation existed between systems thinking and structural empowerment (r = 0.24, p < 0.001). Public health dietitians exhibited substantial systems thinking capabilities and perceived access to organisational power structures.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study offers baseline understanding of systems thinking and structural empowerment among public health dietitians. The positive interplay between these constructs underscores their potential to drive systems-level change and influence population health outcomes. Integrating systems thinking and structural empowerment into dietetic education and professional development may enhance the workforce's preparedness for navigating complexities.
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Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Idioma: En Revista: J Hum Nutr Diet Asunto de la revista: CIENCIAS DA NUTRICAO Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article País de afiliación: Estados Unidos Pais de publicación: Reino Unido
Texto completo
Añadir a Mi BVS
Imprimir
XML
PubMed Links
Buscar en Google

Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Idioma: En Revista: J Hum Nutr Diet Asunto de la revista: CIENCIAS DA NUTRICAO Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article País de afiliación: Estados Unidos Pais de publicación: Reino Unido