Supporting Undergraduate Hispanic Students in Nutrition and Dietetics

Abstract

In the United States, Hispanics are disproportionately affected by diet-related health issues. As part of improving health outcomes, it is important to have healthcare professionals—such as registered dietitians—from Hispanic backgrounds so that they can use their cultural knowledge to improve the healthcare deliverables. Currently, more than 90% of registered dietitians are White females, with only 3.6% from Hispanic backgrounds. One reason might be that Hispanic college students face more challenges in obtaining their nutrition and dietetics education. This study involved reviewing the literature to find programs that have focused on supporting Hispanic college students in order to diversify the healthcare workforce, especially in nutrition. Programs were found that provide academic support, mentorship, research opportunities, and scholarships to encourage Hispanic college student success. Programs that support Hispanic college students in nutrition majors can help increase the diversity of nutrition professionals, who then can help reduce dietrelated health disparities.