Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Nursing

Advisor/Mentor

Baum, Jamie

Abstract

In the area of nutrition and dietary protein, experts often state that there are several barriers to consumption of dietary protein, however there is a lack of published data supporting these claims. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the attitudes, preferences and knowledge regarding dietary protein to identify potential barriers that would prevent purchasing protein or including protein in the diet. A 38-question Qualtrics survey was distributed via University of Arkansas listservs and on social media for three weeks. Participants (n=866) were asked to answer questions related to general nutrition knowledge and current dietary practices related to protein. Preliminary analyses of the survey population show that 27% of survey participants were between the ages of 18-24 y, 72% were female, and 89% were white. When asked how often they include a protein source when eating a meal or snack, 56% responded sometimes and 40% responded always. Most (82%) participants indicated that they consume protein daily. 88% of the participants are most likely to eat protein at dinner, 56% at lunch and 41% at breakfast. However, of the 82% of participants who indicated that they consume breakfast daily, 31% consume protein at breakfast 5 or more times per week. The primary barriers preventing participants from consuming protein are cost (44%) and convenience (33%). When asked about current research topics related to dietary protein, 100% responded that protein, in general, is good for you. More than 60% responded that higher protein diets have health benefits and 70% think protein burns more calories than carbohydrates and fats. However, participants do not think all protein is nutritionally equal, 82% responded ‘no’ to all protein (plant versus animal sources) providing the same nutrients, 65% think plant protein is healthier. The survey population understands health benefits associated with protein intake; however cost and convenience are barriers to consumption. This highlights the need for nurses to educate patients on cost-effective and convenient ways to incorporate protein into their diets, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition.

Keywords

protein; attitudes; knowledge

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

COinS