A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Sports Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among Student Athletes at the University of Alaska Anchorage

Abstract

Nutrition is essential for college athletes. However, many athletes may not meet nutrition recommendations for their specific sport due to a lack of knowledge or because they do not believe that proper nutrition is essential for their performance. To ensure that programs best meet the needs of athletes, it is important to understand athletes’ current knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) related to sports nutrition to improve nutritional awareness and elicit desired behavior change. The idea that improving KAB can lead to behavior change specific to nutrition is well-studied and has its foundations in social cognitive theory. However, there is a need for more research in dietetics and nutrition using a social cognitive approach. Drawing from social cognitive theory, this cross-sectional study collected baseline data on sports nutrition KAB among collegiate athletes at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to inform the development of future interventions that may improve diet quality and overall athletic performance among athletes. This study highlights the knowledge gaps and misconceptions surrounding sports nutrition-related topics among college athletes at UAA on the topics of energy requirements, the role of protein, and the use of supplementation. The study participants reported positive attitudes towards nutrition, but fewer positive behaviors associated with good nutrition. Increasing access to nutrition education for student-athletes at UAA is suggested, as participants expressed interest in learning more about nutrition.