Page 62 - Nutrition Counseling and Education Skills: A Guide for Professionals

7. “And then, what would you eat or drink next?”
8. “What types of seasonings do you use in cooking? Tell me about them.”
9. “Snacks and beverages are often forgotten. What do you have between each of your meals and during

the evening or before bed?”
10. “You haven’t mentioned alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine. Please tell me about them?”
11. “How often do you take a vitamin–mineral supplement or use herbs or alternative therapies? Please

describe the kinds and amounts.”
12. “What time of day are your meals?”
13. “How many times a week do you eat a meal away from home? What would you have?”
14. “Would you say that the amounts of foods you have described are typical, more than usual, or less

than usual?”
15. “To summarize what you have told me, can you tell me how many servings you eat daily or weekly of

these foods?” (continue with a food-frequency checklist)

Box 3-1 ■ Examples of Questions and Directives for Diet Histories

Although it ensures that information is gathered in a systematic manner, the interview guide should not be
followed strictly. Questions should be adapted for age, region, and population group. Never read from the list
of questions or try to follow a predetermined sequence. The interviewer should be thoroughly familiar with
the questions and not have to refer to them constantly. When the interviewee brings up a topic or asks a
question, this shows interest and should be pursued. Knowing the purpose and significance of each question is
important so that questions are not asked in a perfunctory manner and so the interviewer does not accept
superficial or inadequate answers.

Asking a job applicant about offices held in organizations, for example, is an attempt to seek information
about leadership ability and the acceptance of responsibility. The technique of inquiring about career plans
over the next 3 to 5 years attempts to learn about short- and long-range goals. To answer fully, interviewees
must view the questions as relevant. With clients and patients, the professional can explain that the answers
are a basis for a nutrition assessment, counseling, or education. See Box 3-2 for preemployment interview
questions.

In general, questions asked in preemployment interviews should be job related or predictive of success on
the job. They should elicit information to compare the individual’s qualifications and interests with those
of the job description for the vacant position. For example:

1. “Now I would like to ask you some questions about yourself and your previous work experience.”
Introduces the line of questioning.

2. “Tell me about your previous work experience and how it relates to the job you are interested in.”
Gives general impressions of whether the person is qualified.

3. “Please describe for me two important accomplishments in your previous job.” Gives abilities.
4. “What were your responsibilities on your previous job?” Gives knowledge, skills, and abilities.
5. “What would you say are your greatest strengths as a worker? Areas to improve?” Gives skills and

abilities.

62