Article Sidebar
Published:
Dec 31, 2019Keywords:
Article Details
Manuscripts are accepted for publication with the understanding that no substantial part has been, or will be published elsewhere. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright is transferred to the publisher if and when the articles, including reprints, photographic reproduction and translation are accepted for publication. Copyright owner is the Dietitians Association of Nigeria. An abstract at the beginning of an article may be reproduced without specific permission provided the original citation is provided. Statements made and opinions expressed in letters to the Editor, Editorials, Presidential address, book reviews and other special articles appearing in this journal are views of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Journal or the Association.
Main Article Content
Engagement of nutritionists/dietitians in social media: a potential to meet consumer’s quest for healthy Nutrition information and services
Abstract
Background: The increasing consumer’s quest for nutrition related information and services on social media platforms creates a tussle between the trained nutritionists/dietitians and their unqualified counterparts –“the quacks” in delivering these information to the targeted audience.
Objectives: This study was designed to identify the effective strategies that nutrition and dietetic professionals can employ to curb the growing menace of “quackery” in various social media platforms.
Methodology: This study employed a narrative review design to extract relevant content from identified articles, synthesize and present a deep analysis on the top novel strategies to ensure effective social media engagement of dietitians/nutritionists.
Results: This study identified that the adoption of the following strategies will enhance the dissemination and delivery of credible and evident based nutrition information and services to the consumers or clients on social media. These strategies include: enlightenment of consumers/clients and proper guidance for evidence-based choices, official endorsement and regulation of the activities of social media registered dietitians/nutritionists, targeting intervention to address the needs of active social media users, participation in social media marketing training and engagement of social media personalities/influencers.
Conclusion: It is therefore essential that all social media nutritionists/registered dietitians and her governing body adopt these effective strategies to improve, reach, increase profitability of online nutrition services rendered and consequently obliterate the dangers information disseminated by quacks may have on the consumers.
