Stakeholders’ perceptions of the nutrition and dietetics needs and the requisite professional competencies in Uganda: a cross-sectional mixed methods study

Abstract Background Effective implementation of nutrition and dietetics interventions necessitates professionals in these fields to possess the requisite competencies for health systems performance. This study explored stakeholders’ perceptions community needs, nature work done by graduates Bachelor’s degree Human Nutrition/Human Nutrition Dietetics (HN/HND), required Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional mixed methods design was used. Respondents included 132 degrees HN/HND obtained from Makerere Kyambogo Universities 2005–2016; 14 academic staff that train two universities; 11 work/internship supervisors. Data collected through an email-based survey; data other participants face interviews using researcher administered questionnaires. Results Most respondents (84.8%) their University; 61.4% graduated 2013–2016. (64.3%) were females majority (57.1%) had doctorate training. All stakeholders viewed communities as facing a variety challenges cutting across different Sustainable Development Goals. The requested for, provided, considered priority both nutrition-specific nutrition-sensitive. Work encompassed seven main competency domains; dominant being organizational leadership management; management nutrition-related disease conditions; promotion; research; advocacy, communication, awareness creation. Conclusions shows Uganda are multiple multifaceted; employed sectors, provide sensitive services multisectoral environment, expected knowledge skills. However, have skills gaps some areas they exhibit competency. We recommend findings basis obtaining stakeholder consensus on key should be exhibited all Uganda; developing competency-based education model national training practice standard; undertaking further research understand quality relevancy curricula Uganda’s job market requirements.