Correlation between Nutrition Education and Dietary Habits in College Athletes

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between nutrition education and dietary habits among college athletes, focusing on volleyball and football players at the Federal College of Education, Zaria. With a sample size of 52 Physical and Health Education (PHE) students, the research aims to understand how nutrition knowledge influences dietary choices across different sports. The study used a quasi-experimental design with tests given before and after the intervention. Three types of data were collected: a validated nutrition knowledge questionnaire based on Zinn et al. (2005), a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and a 3-day food diary. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, with Pearson's correlation coefficient examining relationships between variables and independent t-tests comparing differences between sports. The findings suggest a significant positive correlation between nutrition education and improved dietary habits (r = 0.58, p < 0.001), with volleyball players showing a stronger correlation (r = 0.63, p < 0.001) compared to football players (r = 0.52, p < 0.01). Post-intervention, both groups demonstrated improved dietary habits, with volleyball players showing greater improvements in fruit and vegetable intake and reduced consumption of processed foods. The study concludes that nutrition education has a positive impact on the dietary habits of college athletes, with the effect varying between different sports. The stronger correlation observed in volleyball players suggests that sport-specific factors may influence the effectiveness of nutrition education. Based on these findings, the study recommends curriculum planners and experts implement a continuous nutrition education curriculum as part of athletic programs. This curriculum should not only provide foundational knowledge but also include ongoing education to reinforce and expand upon initial learning.