Investigation of the nutritional habits of students receiving coaching education: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. The aim of this study is to examine the nutritional knowledge levels and habits of the students who will work in the field of sport sciences in Turkey and who are studying in the Faculties of Sport Sciences. Material and Methods. The sample of the study consisted of 186 volunteer university students studying in the coaching departments of the Faculties of Sport Sciences, selected by simple random sampling method. General scanning model was used in the research. The data in the study were collected using the 32-item “Nutrition Knowledge Scale for Adults”. Results. Within the scope of the scores in both sub-dimensions of the scale, it was determined that the perception scores of the participants in terms of independent variables were statistically close to each other and they had knowledge about nutrition in general. It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the nutritional knowledge levels according to the age variable, and the effect level was close to the middle. It was determined that there was no significant difference between other variables and nutrition. Conclusions. In addition to a healthy life, healthy nutrition is important for coaches in the continuity of their professional life. It would be beneficial to have more information about nutrition in school curriculum. This will contribute to the fight against obesity, which is today's disease.