Sense of generalised self-efficacy and the nutritional behaviour of district-level football referees

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional behaviours are determined by numerous environmental and individual factors. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess nutritional behaviours among referees of district football matches depending on sense of generalised self-efficacy. Materials and methods: The study was conducted among a group of 138 men - football referees at a regional level (Małopolska and Podkarpackie Football Association) using the author’s questionnaire on nutritional behaviours and the Generalised Sense of Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Results: The surveyed football referees, at the highest percentage, consumed at least 3 meals a day (85.11%) and preferred unsweetened beverages for hydration (81.11%). The frequency of including cereal products during every meal (71.78%), avoiding fast food (70.00%), hydrating properly after training (66.44%), avoiding sweetened carbonated beverages (59.65%), consuming fish at least once a week (58.88%) and limiting sweet and salty snacks (54.98%) was also high. Referees with a high sense of self-efficacy significantly more often preferred unsweetened beverages (p<0.05), correctly replenished fluids during (p<0.05) and after training (p<0.001), consumed fruit (p<0.001), as well as vegetables (p=0.001), cereal products (p<0.001), dairy products (p<0.01) and fish (p<0.01) at the recommended frequency and avoided energy drinks more often (p<0.05) than referees with low self-efficacy. Conclusions: A limited scale of rational nutritional behaviours and their differentiation due to the level of generalised selfefficacy was indicated in the examined group of male football referees at a regional level, with an indication of more favourable nutrition choices among men with a higher sense of self-efficacy.