Abstract
Improvements in nutrition knowledge have been associated with increased carbohydrate consumption and greater adherence to dietary recommendations among female athletes. In order to assess whether nutrition knowledge interventions in female Gaelic games players may be beneficial, it is necessary to first of all investigate current levels of nutrition knowledge in this population. Given that many demographic characteristics have been shown to influence nutrition knowledge, it is also important for these to be investigated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the nutrition knowledge of female Gaelic games players, compare knowledge by players’ characteristics and identify players’ preferences for information and support. A validated 35-item questionnaire was completed by 328 female Gaelic games players (Age: 23.7 ± 5.0 years). Players’ mean nutrition knowledge score was 46.0% ± 11.8% and classified as “poor”. Elite players scored greater (+4.5–5.9%, p < 0.05) than subelite players. Players with higher levels of general education, history of formal nutrition education and previous advice from a nutritionist also presented greater nutrition knowledge (+3.7–7.5%, p < 0.05). Future education interventions with female Gaelic games players may lead to beneficial changes in dietary behaviour and would likely benefit from stratifying content based on athletes’ demographic characteristics, given the differences observed.
Highlights
Gaelic games are a group of sports indigenous to Ireland that include Gaelic football, Camogie, hurling, court handball, road bowls and various individual athletic events [1]
The online questionnaire link was accessed by a total of 1591 individuals; only 328 provided a complete and valid response
This study aimed to evaluate the nutrition knowledge of female Gaelic games players, comparing scores based on demographic characteristics, while identifying preferences for nutrition information and support
Summary
Gaelic games are a group of sports indigenous to Ireland that include Gaelic football, Camogie, hurling, court handball, road bowls and various individual athletic events [1]. Gaelic football is the most popular of the Gaelic games, played by both males and females [1,2], whilst camogie is the female equivalent of hurling [3]. Both sports are contested by two teams of fifteen players and are classified as high-intensity intermittent invasion field games with match-play, including frequent bouts of high-speed running, tackling and jumping with brief recovery intervals [1]. Nutritional investigations are currently lacking, and such information may prove useful to inform future interventions designed to improve dietary intake
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