Determinants of clinical nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the nutrition workforce in Vietnam’s public hospitals

Abstract Background Nutrition professionals are expected to play a crucial role in providing appropriate nutrition interventions to patients. Globally, nutrition professionals in clinical settings are dietitians. However, many healthcare workers with different educational backgrounds are employed at nutrition departments of hospitals in Vietnam. No earlier study has attempted to evaluate the competence of the nutrition workforce. Our objective was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of the current nutrition workforce in Vietnam. Methods A cross-sectional healthcare facility-based study was conducted with 256 employees working at nutrition departments of 75 public hospitals from 7 October to 19 November 2023. Clinical nutritional KAP was evaluated via a questionnaire. KAP levels were categorized as ≥ 50% “adequate” and