NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-REPORTED CONFIDENCE IN THAT KNOWLEDGE AMONG DIVISION II ATHLETES

Abstract

Limited nutrition knowledge (NK) with high confidence is frequently reported among athletes. Overconfidence in false information increases poor nutrition behaviors and sharing of inaccurate nutrition information. PURPOSE: We hypothesized that NCAA Division II (DII) athletes will present limited NK (below 80% criterion) while reporting high confidence levels in four categories: (1) carbohydrates (CHO), (2) fats, (3) protein (PRO) and (4) weight management (WM). METHODS: All subjects signed informed consent and completed a modified Macronutrient and Energy Metabolism Survey (MEMS) via Qualtrics in a designated computer lab. Participants (N = 168) reported their confidence level based on their survey answers (39 total questions) using a Lickert scale (1- 4): (1) not at all sure, (2) not sure, (3) somewhat sure, (4) very sure. Descriptive statistics were calculated with Spearman rank correlation coefficients between variables (e.g. correct vs. incorrect per category). RESULTS: Student athletes (n = 88 males, n = 80 females) completed the MEMS survey (return rate = 36%). Athletes lacked NK: mean score of 17/39 (43.5%) correct. The mean correct scores were 42% for fats, 41% for CHO, 41% for PRO, and 51% for WM. Also, a trend in overconfidence existed; for example individuals with incorrect responses for CHO, 65% felt at least (3) somewhat sure. Secondary analysis included a Spearman’s rho correlation that resulted in a significant (p ≤ 0.05) but weak negative correlation between response “correctness” and confidence level within each category: Fats (rs[1680] = -0.06), CHO (rs[1680] = -0.2), PRO (rs[1680] = -0.14), and WM (rs[1512] = -0.23) . CONCLUSION: The results suggest that DII athletes lack NK and have relatively high confidence in misinformation. This study identifies an opportunity for intervention using Registered Dietitians to educate athletes about nutritional basics and raise awareness of respective misinformation.