Nutrition knowledge, attitude and practice of sports men and women in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Optimal nutrition knowledge, attitude, and practice are vital for improved performance and overall well-being of sports professionals, yet there is limited evidence on these aspects in Nigeria. This study assessed the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice of professional sportsmen and women who trained at Umuahia Township and Aba-Enyimba Sports Stadium in Abia State. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 sportsmen and women (190 males and 170 females). Participants completed a structured questionnaire that collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and dietary and lifestyle practices. Descriptive statistics summarised participant characteristics and nutrition-related outcomes, while correlation analyses examined associations between nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practice variables. Socio-demographic characteristics showed that more respondents were male (52%), young adult (18–23 years; 81.9%), and educated (52.8%). Almost all the respondents (98.6%) were engaged in full-time professional team sports. Sporting activities were funded by the state government (63.9%) and private individuals (34.7%). Three-quarters of respondents (75%) had not assessed or participated in any nutrition course, seminar, or counselling. The majority (80.6%) of the respondents had poor nutrition knowledge. Respondents’ nutrition knowledge was reportedly low, as reflected in their inability to identify the nutritional needs of professional sports people. Attitude scores also showed an overall moderate level of agreement with positive statements and disagreement with negative ones. Nutrition knowledge ( r = -0.16 to 0.25) and attitude ( r = -0.12 to 0.29) were significantly correlated with practice variables ( p < 0.05). The respondents demonstrated poor nutrition knowledge, average perception, and unhealthy dietary practices, which were significantly associated. Efforts should be made to improve sports professionals’ welfare and access to nutrition and dietetics information to enhance their sports-related nutrition knowledge, attitude, and practice.