Runner’s health choices questionnaire: female collegiate cross-country runners’ perspectives on health and eating

Abstract

Objective To assess female collegiate cross-country runners’ perspectives regarding sport-related health and the factors impacting eating behaviors. Participants/methods The Runner’s Health Choices Questionnaire, a previously validated survey, was electronically distributed to female collegiate cross-country runners. Quantitative descriptive analysis was performed on all questions. Results A total of 353 female collegiate cross-country runners completed the survey. The most common intrinsic factors that impacted overall diet type were makes you feel healthy, enjoyment of food, and athletic performance enhancement. Extrinsic factors such as practice/race that day, creating a balanced diet, and choices in the cafeteria were the top factors influencing daily meal decisions. Seventy-seven percent of athletes reported that they would be likely to apply information from a healthcare professional if they had access. Conclusion Female cross-country runners appeared willing to apply nutritional information; therefore, it is important that generalized nutrition education with an emphasis on intrinsic and extrinsic factors for food choices be considered for female collegiate cross-country runners.