Using Instagram for health promotion
Professional and ethical challenges for Australian nutritionists and dietitians
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22945852 |
|---|---|
| Authors | En Min Saw (0009-0003-4261-1280, School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle , Awabakal, Callaghan, NSW 2308), Susan Heaney (0000-0001-8206-4080, Department of Rural Health, The University of Newcastle , Birpai, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444), Amy Robinson (0000-0001-8592-7937, Department of Rural Health, The University of Newcastle , Birpai, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444), Kelly Squires (0000-0002-9636-3628, School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle , Awabakal, Callaghan, NSW 2308) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Publication date | 2025-10-30 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Health Promotion International (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245 |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1093/heapro/daaf185 |
| PMID | 41258796 |
| OpenAlex | W4416359541 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 42 |
Nutritionists and dietitians are the leading nutrition experts, increasingly leveraging social media to share nutrition and health information. While nutritionists and dietitians share role similarities, differences in qualifications, regulatory frameworks, and scope of practice remain. This study aimed to assess and analyse the professional and ethical use of Instagram by Australian nutritionists and dietitians. Using a cross-sectional approach, 500 Instagram posts by nutritionists and dietitians were assessed using a modified Social Media Evaluation Checklist. The criteria included categories of financial disclosure, cultural awareness, evidence-based information, transparency, privacy/confidentiality, professionalism, and justifiability. Descriptive data analysis was conducted, and scores were reported in both frequencies (n) and percentages (%). Both nutritionists and dietitians primarily shared content related to diet information and service promotion on Instagram. Scores suggest good professional and ethical demonstration in areas such as cultural awareness, balanced and accurate information, adherence to scope of practice, and transparent imagery. However, inconsistencies were noted with financial disclosure, transparent advertising, referencing sources, accessible language, and safeguarding patient identity. While nutritionists and dietitians demonstrated adherence to professional and ethical practices in certain areas, not all standards were fully met. With the growing usage of social media by nutritionists and dietitians for service promotion, there is a need for clear regulations and updated guidelines tailored to these professionals, with an emphasis on transparent financial disclosure and ensuring accessibility of content. Such guidance would ensure nutritionists and dietitians uphold high ethical and professional standards, fostering public trust and enhancing credibility of information shared by these nutrition experts.
Content analysis · Credibility · Ethical issues · Health professionals · Promotion (chess) · Safeguarding · Scope (computer science) · Scope of practice · Service (business) · Social media · Dietetics, Nutrition, and Education · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications · Social Media in Health Education
Conflicts of interest in public health research and publications
Social Drivers and Algorithmic Mechanisms on Digital Media
Utilization and preference of nutrition information sources in Australia
Sources of nutrition information and level of nutrition knowledge among young adults in the Accra metropolis
Motivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior among Belgian adults
Quality and accuracy of online nutrition-related information
Conflicts of interest for members of the US 2020 dietary guidelines advisory committee
Social media’s influence on adolescents′ food choices
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |