Nutrition messaging by healthcare students - A mixed method study exploring social media usage and digital competence

Abstract Covid-19 pandemic leads to a significant digital transformation on higher education and healthcare practices. This study aimed to investigate the level of digital competences, views and experience, social media usage and perceived barriers of digital commination for healthcare students, using a mixed method approach. One hundred and forty-three nursing and midwifery students from Amasya University (Turkey) and 54 dietetics students from European countries participated. The majority of nursing (43.5%) and midwifery (55.2%) students stated that “students should receive training at university about digital technologies in healthcare practice”. Instagram was the most frequently used social media communication channels to share healthcare/nutrition information. “Before/after posts” in social media to encourage weight loss were identified as low-quality posts by the students. Incorporating digital technologies and social media into healthcare/nutrition teaching and practice and establishing professional and ethical standards for digital nutrition communication is necessary.