Effect of Peer Nutrition Education on Nutritional Status and Nutritional Knowledge of University Student-Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of peer nutrition education on nutritional status and nutrition knowledge and attitudes of university athletes. Participants were 32 female student-athletes and 4 DPD students (peer educators) at Clemson University. Each peer educator was assigned to 8 student-athletes with whom they were expected to meet 1 time per week for 7 weeks. Nutritional status was determined by measuring height, weight and skinfold thickness, obtaining fasting blood samples, and collecting 3-day dietary records at the beginning and end of the study. Student-athletes were also given a nutrition knowledge and attitude test at the beginning and end of the study. There were no significant changes in body weight or body fat during the study. Twenty-six of the athletes reported being concerned with their weight, although only 8 could be classified as overweight. There were significant increases in hematocrit, triglycerides, cholesterol/HDL ratio, WBC and RBC during the study. Food records revealed that most of the foods consumed came from the fats, sweets and oils group and that at least 50% of the athletes that inadequate intakes of vitamin A, vitamin D and calcium. There were significant improvements in nutrition knowledge and attitude, with mean test scores increasing from 65.7±8.3% to 74.4±9.6% during the study. Peer nutrition education was effective at increasing nutrition knowledge and selected blood values in student-athletes.