Understanding and Adopting Plant-Based Nutrition: A Survey of Medical Providers

Plant-based nutrition can be protective against a number of chronic diseases. The objectives of this study were to determine the medical community’s knowledge of plant-based nutrition and assess whether participants would be willing to adopt or recommend this diet to patients. A questionnaire was emailed to more than 4000 students and faculty at Rush University Medical Center. A total of 64 physicians were analyzed. The majority (58%) were female and physician attendings (72%). Most (79%) believed that a plant-based diet is most similar to a vegetarian or vegan diet. When asked if they would recommend a plant-based diet to patients, 33% said yes and 51% said maybe. When asked if they would consider adopting a plant-based diet, 28% said yes, 34% said maybe, and 8% said for a short amount of time. In a convenience sample of physicians, most were aware of the definition and health effects of plant-based nutrition, but fewer were well versed in the details of this diet. More than half were open to potentially recommending or adopting a plant-based diet. Education about plant-based nutrition is essential to increase knowledge and understanding about this dietary pattern