Pre-intervention Dietary And Physical Activity Behaviors Of Future Sailors In Delayed Entry Program

Abstract

The Delayed Entry Program (DEP), which prepares future sailors (FS) physically and mentally for Navy life, is a crucial program for retention and operational readiness. PURPOSE: Assess health behaviors prior to an intervention to evaluate the utility of CoachMePlus (CM+) application as a tool to maximize physical readiness and reduce FS attrition. METHODS: FS (53 males, 7 females; age = 17-29 y; BMI, mean = 25.2; range = 15.2-33.9 kg/m2) were recruited from DEP in San Diego, CA, for an intervention using CM+ to provide DEP training and nutrition education. Baseline data only are presented and include energy and nutrient intake (3-d food records) and reported health behaviors and self-efficacy (questionnaire). Data are expressed as counts (%) and means±SE. RESULTS: Of the 60 FS, 47% identified as Hispanic/Latino, 23% as White, 15% as Asian, 12% as Black/African American, and 3% as other. The highest level of education obtained for 85% of FS was a high school diploma or equivalent, with half (52%) reporting being employed. Food records ≥1d (12.81 ± 0.7 d) were completed by 53% of FS. Reported energy intake was 1812 ± 14 kcal/d (carbohydrates = 40.9 ± 0.3, protein = 21.7 ± 0.2, and fat = 37.8 ± .2 %total kcal/d). Dietary intakes were high compared with recommendations (Rs) for sodium (actual = 2955 ± 28 vs. R = 1500 mg/d) and sugar (actual = 54 ± 0.9 vs. R = 24-36 g/d) while fiber intake was low (actual = 16 ± 0.2 vs. R = 25-38 g/d). Most FS indicated that they wanted to lose (48%) or gain weight (22%), with 35% reporting taking a dietary supplement. Nutrition was rated as 3.8 on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 = extremely important) for affecting performance. Most FS (83%) engaged in regular exercise, with 45% reporting exercise ≥4 times/week. Self-efficacy was rated as “rather certain” or “certain” for eating healthy, carrying out exercise intentions, and reducing/limiting alcohol intake in 85%, 83%, and 90% of FS, respectively. CONCLUSION: The dietary pattern noted among FS was a diet high in fat, sugar, and sodium, and low in fiber, which is suboptimal for both general health and operational readiness. Overall, FS ranked nutrition as important for performance and indicated feeling “rather certain” or “certain” that they can eat healthy. Thus, nutrition intervention in this population is likely to be an effective approach to improve health and weight management of FS.