Abstract
Objective:
This study assesses the basic nutritional knowledge of fourth year medical/osteopathic school graduates entering a pediatric residency program and compares the knowledge of the medical students to that of the patients and parents who completed the same survey previously.
Methods:
Medical and osteopathic school graduates entering a pediatric residency program completed an 18-question nutrition survey during resident orientation in June of 2011 and 2012.
Results:
The incoming interns averaged answering 52% of the questions correctly. Interns did better than both groups but the only statistically significant difference was between the interns and the non-eating disorder adolescents and their parents (p<0.001).
Conclusion:
Incoming residents to a pediatric residency program appear to be deficient in basic nutritional knowledge. With the ever increasing burden of obesity and its associated co-morbidities on society, it is imperative that medical education focuses on preparing physicians to appropriately counsel all populations on proper nutrition.
Appendix
1. What is the daily recommended amount of calories for a moderately active adolescent female (14–18 years of age)?
a. 1000–1200 calories
b. 1400–1600 calories
c. 2000–2200 calories
d. 2400–2800 calories
2. What is the daily recommended amount of calories for a moderately active adolescent male (14–18 years of age)?
a. 1000–1200 calories
b. 1400–1600 calories
c. 2000–2200 calories
d. 2400–2800 calories
3. What percentage of an adolescent’s total daily calories should come from carbohydrates?
a. 20%–29%
b. 30%–39%
c. 40%–49%
d. 50%–59%
4. What percentage of an adolescent’s total daily calories should come from proteins?
a. 10%–20%
b. 21%–30%
c. 31%–40%
d. 41%–50%
5. What percentage of an adolescent’s total daily calories should come from fats?
a. 5%–15%
b. 16%–24%
c. 25%–35%
d. 36%–45%
6. Approximately how many calories will a person “burn” whilerunningone mile?
a. 10 calories
b. 100 calories
c. 1000 calories
d. 10,000 calories
7. Approximately how many calories will a person “burn” whilewalking2 miles?
a. 50 calories
b. 100 calories
c. 200 calories
d. 300 calories
8. To lose the equivalent of 1 pound, approximately how many calories does an individual have to “burn”?
a. 35 calories
b. 350 calories
c. 3500 calories
d. 35,000 calories
9. Approximately, how many calories are in a medium-sized banana?
a. 10 calories
b. 100 calories
c. 200 calories
d. 300 calories
10. Approximately, how many calories are in a three ounce piece of plain grilled chicken?
a. 100 calories
b. 175 calories
c. 250 calories
d. 350 calories
11. Approximately, how many calories are in a regular 12 ounce can of soda?
a. 70 calories
b. 140 calories
c. 280 calories
d. 560 calories
12. What mineral is important for growing bones?
a. sodium
b. potassium
c. fluoride
d. calcium
13. A lacto-vegetarian diet excludes all of the followingexcept?
a. eggs
b. fish
c. fowl
d. cheese
14. The amount of sodium in 8 ounces of the most popular sport drink is?
a. 110 mg
b. 150 mg
c. 180 mg
d. 200 mg
15. Three ounces of meat are about the size of?
a. deck of cards
b. a large bottle of soda
c. a library book
d. a key
16. One cup of raw vegetables is about the size of?
a. Frisbee
b. regular light bulb
c. large bottle of soda
d. a library book
17. How many calories are in the following: a 4 ounce cheeseburger on a bun with one slice of cheese?
a. 200–300
b. 500–600
c. 700–800
d. 1000–1100
18. How many calories are in the following: a 4 ounce turkey sandwich on a roll with a banana and 1 ounce of pretzels?
a. 200–300
b. 500–600
c. 700–800
d. 1000–1100
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