What College Athletes Want for Nutrition Information: Developing a Nutrition App

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To determine the desirability and content of a nutrition and healthy living app for Division 3 college athletes at Ithaca College. Methods We conducted five focus groups with 36 athlete leaders representing 7 sports teams (i.e., volleyball, softball, football, and men's and women's soccer and track) to determine if and what general nutrition and health information college athletes would athletes need in an app to support their performance and health. From focus group responses, a 16 item survey regarding scheduling and type of nutrition and healthy living questions with responses ranging from 1 to 5 (Extremely interested to not interested at all) was sent to and answered by 130 student athletes. A prototype app was designed. Results Athletes expressed interest in an app. The themes athletes identified were barriers to healthy eating and living including lack of free time to plan meals, limited dining hall options, and stress of academics in season. From the survey, 75% of athletes were extremely or very interested in the following: individual nutritional goals, meal plan and preparation ideas, and high protein and carbohydrate snacks recipes. About 50% of athletes were interested in sleep tracking and hydration reminders. Most athletes were only moderately to not interested in the following features: promotionals (i.e., deals at restaurants) and personalized minimum calories. Conclusions There is a need and desire for easily accessible nutrition and healthy living information and management tools. A prototype will be shown. Funding Sources None.