Content Analysis of Websites of Didactic Programs in Dietetics for Evidence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

To examine websites of didactic programs in dietetics (DPD) for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related language and to assess perceived gender and ethnic/racial representation in images. We conducted a content analysis on the first 6 website images and 3-elements of DPD (n = 212) websites (mission statement, goals and objectives, and the immediate landing page). Descriptive statistics and a website DEI score were calculated. Equity and inclusion-related terms appeared on < 5% of websites. Diversity and culture-related terms appeared on about one-third of websites. On average, researchers perceived 28.45% of people in website images as non-White, and 20.11% as non-female. Most websites received low DEI scores. The DPD websites had a limited representation of DEI-related terms and image representation of individuals perceived to be non-female and non-White. Leaders of DPDs may consider displaying and describing the program's commitment to DEI on the website for potential students.