Nutrition Practice in Diverse Communities

This unit will build on students’ skills and knowledge in public health and community nutrition with a specific focus on the role of nutritionists/dietitians working with diverse communities including multicultural groups, indigenous populations and international groups/programs. Students will critically examine the evidence for, and implementation of, national nutritional policies and strategies aimed at improving population health and develop skills required for practice in community and public health nutrition including: needs assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of culturally appropriate nutrition-related health programs as well as advocacy.

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Analyse the social and cultural factors which influence food choice, and health outcomes related to dietary behaviour.
2. Outline the social, ethical, political and economic considerations involved in promoting dietary change at the individual and population level.
3. Evaluate policies and related strategies/initiatives aimed at improving health and nutritional status of communities.
4. Analyse the program development cycle of community nutrition program planning and define the: needs assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation process of nutrition related health programs.
5. Produce a grant application proposing a detailed program plan aiming to impact on the nutritional status and health of a community group and advocating on their behalf.
6. Deliver a culturally appropriate health promotion presentation/activity.