Introducing MyPlate into nutrition teaching in the curriculum of undergraduate medical and allied health professions students in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Abstract

Introduction: MyPlate is an educational tool developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a replacement for an earlier approach called MyPyramid. It provides the US public with key messages on a healthy diet, but has not been studied in universities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Aims: We aimed to study the acceptance and utility of MyPlate in the teaching curriculum among Palestinian medical and allied health students by introducing the approach in the nutrition course which forms part of curriculum. Method: An electronic survey questionnaire was distributed via social media and university platforms to students in the schools of medicine, nursing and pharmacy at Najah University. The questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic variables, obesity, nutritional deficiencies, nutritional problems and the use of MyPlate. In addition, information about vegetable consumption and participation in physical activities was collected. Chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact tests were used to calculate differences between study groups. Results: A convenience sample of 106 students participated in the investigation. In all, 68% of the study group were women, 58.0% were medical students, 44.0% were nursing students, and the remainder were pharmacy students. In all, 89.0% of students reported knowing about MyPlate, 61% reported using MyPlate and 79.0% of website users reported that they found the use of application easy. The main reason for using the application was for calculating needed calories and planning a healthy diet. However, students reported low ability to change their lifestyle accordingly. There was no age difference between users and non-users (19.4 years ± 0.8 years versus 19.8 y ± 0.8 y) or BMI, (20.0 ± 4.6) kg/m2 versus (21.3 ± 5.8) kg/m2. MyPlate users were more physically active, but there was no differences in diet. Conclusion: MyPlate was accepted by the majority of students but follow-up is needed to improve adherence to a healthy lifestyle.