Contents
DIETARY HABITS AND NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF COLLEGE ATHLETES IN TECHNICAL UNIVERSIRY OF KENYA NAIROBI 3
INTRODUCTION: 3
1.2: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM. 4
1.3: PURPOSE OF THE STUDY 5
1.4: OBJECTIVES 5
1.5: HYPOTHESIS 6
1.6: SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 6
7: JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY 6
CHAPTER TWO 7
LITERATURE REVIEW 7
2.0: INTRODUCTION 7
2.1: BASIC NUTRITION 7
2.1.1: Importance of nutrition 7
2.1.2:Pre-game meal 8
2.1.3:Post-game meal 9
2.2: ATHLETE KNOWLEDGE OF NUTRITION AND BEHAVIOUR 9
2.3: RElATIONSHIP BETWEEN NUTRITION AND SPORTS PERFOMANCE 10
2.4: CONCLUSION 11
CHAPTER THREE 12
METHODOLOGY 12
3.0: STUDY OCATION 12
3.1: RESEARCH DESIGN 12
3.2: STUDY POPULATION 12
3.3: SAMPLING PROCEDURE 13
3.4: DATA COLLECTION 13
3.5: DATA ANALYSIS 13
TIME SCHEDULE: 14
BUDGET 15
REFERENCES 16
QUESTIONNAIRE 17

DIETARY HABITS AND NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF COLLEGE ATHLETES IN TECHNICAL UNIVERSIRY OF KENYA NAIROBI

INTRODUCTION:

Too often, student athletes are left with very little time to meet their nutritional needs. The athlete tends to grab the easiest on the go food for their meal; little do they know that this lack of nutritious food can affect their performance. Student athletes need regular well balanced meals and snacks to maintain the high energy demands of training, competition and the rigor of an academic program (Ziegler et al 2005) showed how the increased competitiveness of the sport raises concerns about the health of these athletes .For example nutrient intake was found to possibly be influenced by factors like; lack of time, hectic training schedule and increased emphasis on physical features, such as leanness of and body image.

An increased interest and availability of nutritional information seems to be on the rise ,however, it’s unclear if athletes are more knowledgeable about the role of nutrition on athletic performance .Professionals can help athletes recognize the role of nutritional in sports and help them choose the most appropriate foods and fluids to attain peak performance. Athletes can obtain nutritional knowledge from a variety of sources such as magazines, parents, coaches, teammates as well as the internet. An athlete who has control over what to eat must make decisions and become aware of his or her nutritional habits .The proper decisions can be made with proper nutrition educating (Hoelscher et al, 2002).Athletes can understand the key concepts behind the food that they are eating with proper education and good decisions when it comes to their food choices. The ideal diet for an athlete is 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% fat. Carbohydrates are not the only favored fuel but also the body’s most efficient source of energy. A low carbohydrate intake will not meet the energy requirement demands on an athlete who requires long durations of activity. Carbohydrates should also be included in the pre-game meal, which should be eaten three to four hours ahead of competition along with plenty of fluids. Knowing what to eat after competition can be beneficial too. Restore the nutritients that were lost in competition and enhance readiness for the next game. Glycogens and fluids are key components of the post game meal.(Gary Roberts,2012)

An athlete who is well nourished is not only healthy but typically capable of training more intensely and competing quite successfully, as well as being less susceptible to injury and fatigue. If an athlete knows what and when to eat, then he or she can benefit from eating the proper foods. Small frequent meals that are energy and nutrient dense will assist athletes in meeting their energy and nutrient needs while at the same time prevent overeating and safeguard against fatigue.(Rett Larson, 2010).Overall ,proper nutrition education and changing unhealthy dietary habits can not only work for the athlete but also for the team as well.

1.2: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.

Understanding proper nutrition is a common problem that most people have. In order to compensate for nutritional deficiency many people choose a diet to help. Lack of knowledge of what to eat and when can also be the reason for the food choice that one makes. However, what if these people are athletes?

How does their type of diet affect their performance? What are the risks of not eating the right foods and how can the athletes be corrected of their eating mistakes?

Athletes have special nutritional needs as compared to the general population. This is due to the energy expenditure during training as well as the energy needed for class work in case of a college athlete. In this case , nutritional knowledge is very paramount so as to help them make food choices that will help them make food choices that will respond to their performance .For peak performance to be achieved ,practice as well as nutrition must be considered. Gaining nutritional knowledge should help the athletes know what to eat, when to eat, and how much to eat.

The college athlete must also be aware of the environment and the various influences and factors on food choices so to make the correct food choice that will suit their activity.

1.3: PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to predict how knowledgeable athletes in college are regarding the importance of sports nutrition towards their performance. The study shall also describe the importance of proper nutrition practices for an athlete.

1.4: OBJECTIVES

General objective

1. To determine the levels of nutritional knowledge among the college students athletes

Specific objectives

2. To determine the relationship between dietary habits and nutrition knowledge among athletes in Technical university of Kenya.

3. To establish nutrition knowledge levels in relation to performance and output in athletes.

1.5: HYPOTHESIS

There is a positive relationship between dietary habits and nutritional knowledge among athletes.

1.6: SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The findings of this study will be an eye opener to the athletes on the importance of nutrition knowledge in relation to performance and good nutritional status.

The findings of this study will also be useful to various coaches on the importance of including a sports nutritionist in their training curriculum.

The various teams shall be challenged to make food choices that bare wise and seek nutrition knowledge in relation to their activities.

The study findings will also be crucial to form basis for further research for scholars on the field of sports nutrition.

7: JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

The study will be very crucial since there exists a big gap in the sports nutrition whereby most teams do not include nutrition professionals in their curriculum whereas athletes

Without good nutrition can’t achieve peak performance. Every institution that deals with sports requires a trained nutritionist to provide professional nutritional guidance which will enhance performance which in return will enhance the returns for the athlete.

The study is therefore crucial so as help bridge the gap which exists between sports and nutrition which will also improve nutritional knowledge, good food choices as well as performance.

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0: INTRODUCTION

Participation in physical activity increases the energy and nutrient needs of an athlete. (Croll et al,2006).This creates a significant nutritional challenge .(Story et al, 2002).College athletes may have dietary practices which are undesirable which include skipping meals (Lytle,2002),eating more takeaway and convenience foods such as soft drinks and engage in dieting behaviours.The undesirable eating behaviors and practices may be determined by athletes nutritional knowledge. A number of researchers suggest that nutritional behavior is related to nutritional knowledge and that if an individual is educated on healthy eating, they are more likely to this in practice (Wardle et al, 2004, Pirouzina, 2002).

2.1: BASIC NUTRITION

2.1.1: Importance of nutrition

Many people think of nutrition as something that people must have in order to survive due to the nutrients that the body requires. However not many people know what it is about nutrition that makes it important. For athletes, nutrition is key not only for performance but also for injury prevention. A study completed by Reid-st,examined eating habits and injury rates among female runners. It concluded that 55% of the athletes polled reported injuries and those athletes also ate approximately 200 fewer calories per day. An athlete who is well nourished is not only healthy but typically capable of training ore intensely and competing quite successfully, as well as being less susceptible to injury. Generally, the need for calories in athletes is greater than average persons ranging from 2000 to 5000 calories a day depending on gender. (Rachael Morgan, 2011).

Carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats provide the fuel needed to maintain energy. Carbohydrates are involved in regulating the blood sugar and glycogen level in the muscles, which is vitamin for preventing muscle fatigue. The fats provide essential fatty acids, and the body uses it as an energy source, particularly if the activity lasts longer than an hour. In fact it can provide up to 75% of the energy endurance an athlete needs for long term aerobic performance. (Kim Traapelle, 2006).

According to Dr. Jennifer Anderson, proteins help body build new tissues and are also used as an energy source .Need for protein is higher in an athlete.

2.1.2:Pre-game meal

Athletes have a busy schedule, especially when it’s their season. Therefore, the one main concept is that is missing is the pre-game meal. The main goal of a pre-game meal is to have enough energy to last the game and stay well rehydrated. The actual pre-game meal is simply topping off muscle glycogen; otherwise athletes would not have enough energy for the entire game. The pre-game meal also helps to prevent a low blood sugar level which can interfere with athlete’s performance. If the wrong foods are consumed, it can limit the level of performance. Energy is acquired through the food an athlete consumes before a game. (Gail Morris, 2010).

A person’s metabolism dictates how much energy will be available for the person to perform some type of exercise after the body’s immediate needs are met. The pre-game meal should be eaten approximately two to three hours before game (Gary Roberts, 2012).

2.1.3:Post-game meal

Eating for performance also includes making wise food choices post exercise. The right post game meal replenishes the athlete’s muscles for the event or the competition around the corner. Blood flow to muscles is much higher immediately after exercise allowing the muscles to take up more glucose therefore maximizing muscle glycogen synthesis (Elena M Davis, 2012).Consuming proteins along with a source of carbohydrate after exercise provides the amino acids necessary for muscle repair. If muscle damage is not repaired after an event, the damage can impede muscle glucose uptake and glycogen storage, thereby limiting your performance during the next training session or event (Paula Quinene, 2011)

2.2: ATHLETE KNOWLEDGE OF NUTRITION AND BEHAVIOUR

There is limited research, specifically on athlete knowledge and behavior. (Douglas and Douglas 1984) found that athletes had limited knowledge, and females in particular were susceptible to basing food choices on factors other than nutritional knowledge. More recent researches by Cuspitiet al 2002 found that college athletes have better nutritional knowledge than non athletic.(Calvadin et al ,2000)reported that Swiss athletes had healthier nutritional habits than non athletic including a higher consumption of cereals ,fruit ,fruit juices ,salads, and dairy products ,possibly indicating a higher level of knowledge.

However, one area that shows lack of knowledge is that of the role of protein in the body. (Rosen bloom et al, 2002), 47%of males and 39%of females incorrectly agreed that protein was the main energy for the muscle.

The role of vitamins and minerals in the body is also often an area of confusion in athletics.(Roselenbloom et al ,2002).It has been shown that athletes may have inadequate knowledge about hydration and the benefits and problems associated with this (Nicholas et al ,2000),found that although there was a positive correlation between knowledge, attitudes and behavior in college athletes who participated in a questionnaire on hydration, many athletes had incorrect perceptions of the topic .

The study examined athlete’s knowledge of the national Athletic Trainers Association and the American college of sports medicine hydration statements, and found that the athletes lacked knowledge of these.

2.3: RElATIONSHIP BETWEEN NUTRITION AND SPORTS PERFOMANCE

It’s clear that nutrition has an effect on sports performance(Croll et al ,2006).Sports nutrition is rapidly growing field and is the science of improving sporting performance by tailoring specific food and fluid recommendations to an athlete .

It’s known that factors such as dehydration and lack of energy supply can limit performance (Burke, 2006).

Dehydration can limit performance as lack of fluid increases the strain on physiological processes including a risk an increase in core temperature ,an increase in heart rate(and consequently increased cardiovascular strain),potential altering of metabolic function and increased utilization of glycogen (also contributing to muscle fatigue as a source of fuel) (Sawka et al ,2007).Mental and cognitive performance (especially for athletes who participate in skill based sports)is additionally compromised by dehydration(Sawka et al ,2007).It’s possible that cramps in skeletal muscle may be attributed to dehydration ,and the risk of an athlete suffering heat exhaustion (especially in tropical areas like Kenya)is increased by dehydration.

As carbohydrates is a source of fuel for working muscle, a lack of exogenous carbohydrate supply can limit the capacity of muscle to work as the glycogen stores in the muscle are depleted(Burke ,2006).Total body stores of carbohydrate are limited(Burke et al , 2001)and as a carbohydrate is stored as glycogen in the muscle and liver an inadequate intake may lead to pre mature fatigue , although there is an abundance of literature on sport nutrition practices in adults ,there is a dearth of a research on sports nutrition in college athletes,(Bar or ,2001)

2.4: CONCLUSION

It’s clear that college athletes have nutritional requirements for good sporting performances. Part of the research on the topic shows that nutritional knowledge affects nutritional behavior and nutritional knowledge does have a positive impact o n nutritional behavior(Pirouznia 2001),however, other research conflicts this by showing no association between knowledge and behavior(Worsley ,2002).

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0: STUDY OCATION

This particular study shall be based in an institution of higher learning, The Technical University of Kenya. It’s located off Haille Sellasie Avenue, Workshop road in central business District. Student athletes in the campus will be studied from the various teams there are in the campus.

3.1: RESEARCH DESIGN

The paper is intended to use a descriptive study design .The study will attempt to collect data from college athletes of the ages between 20years and 26years.Its intended to determine and establish whether college athletes have efficient nutritional knowledge in relation to sports.

3.2: STUDY POPULATION

College athletes with ages between 20-26years will be included in the study. The athletes will be enlisted from the various teams that are active in the university. The university department shall also be used to identify the total number of teams in the university. Only those athletes that will agree to participate will be included in the study. A total of 60 athletes will be interviewed using a pre tested questionnaire.

3.3: SAMPLING PROCEDURE

The study will use purposive sampling. The sample shall only include the athletes who participate in active sporting activities as well as training.

Cases to be used shall be handpicked; that is the various teams to be used. Within the teams, members to fill the questionnaires will be identified through random sampling.

3.4: DATA COLLECTION

Data will be collected using a pre tested and pre designed questionnaire. Relevant information regarding the social demographic, game participated in, and the eating habits will be collected .Dependent variables to be used will include dietary habits, and nutrition knowledge.

3.5: DATA ANALYSIS

The questionnaire results shall be coded as +1 for correct answer and 0 for incorrect answer. It shall then be input to Microsoft Excel and imported to spss.The data shall also be examined using chi-squared statistic test to assess the frequency and association between variables.

TIME SCHEDULE:

The research work will take four months. Below is the proposed timetable

YEAR 2014: JAN-APRIL

|MONTH1 |MONTH2 |MONTH 3 |MONTH 4 |
|Teams identification | | | |
|2 WEEKS | | | |
|samplings |Data collection | | |
|2WEEKS |2WEEKS | | |
| |Data collection |Data analysis | |
| |2WEEKS |2WEEKS | |
| | |Data analysis |Report compiling |
| | |2WEEKS |2WEEKS |
| | | | |
| | | |2WEEKS |
| | | |Report submission |

BUDGET

| | |
|PARTICULARS |KSHS |
|STATIONERY: | |
|Papers |100 |
|Pencils, pens, erasers |1000 |
|Sharpeners |100 |
|Files |500 |
|Envelopes |200 |
|Travel to various training sessions |5000 |
|Computer time |500 |
|Miscellaneous |10000 |
|Air time |500 |
|Per diem |10000 |

TOTAL =27400

REFERENCES

1. National Collegiate Athletic Association. Sports Nutrition: Nutrition Health. Available at: www.drugfreesport.com/choices/nutrition/health.html. Accessed October 22, 2004 2. Ziegler PJ, Jonnalagadda SS, Nelson JA, Lawrence C, Baciak B. Contribution of meals and snacks to nutrient intake of male and female elite figure skaters during peak competitive season. J American College Nutrition. 2002;21(2). 3. Mirkin G. Pre-race or pre-game meal. Available at www.DrMirkin.com/fitness/8494.html. Accessed September 9, 2004. 4. Zawila LG, Steib CSM, Hoogenboom B. The female collegiate cross-country runner: nutritional knowledge and attitudes. J Athletic Training. 2003;3(8):67-74. 5. Bernard B. The importance of nutrition in sports. Positive Health. 2000;(50):35-38. 6. Vinci DM. The training room: developing a sports nutrition game plan. Athletic Therapy Today. 2002;7(5):52-53 7. Arnheim DD, Prentice WE. Principles of Athletic Training. Madison, WI: Brown & Benchmark; 1997. 8. DeMasi S. Just for athletes. Coaching Youth Sports. 2003. 9. Bonci, L. Refueling the tank. Available at: http://www.monetummedia.com/articles/cm/cm0902/refuelt ank.htm. Accessed September 29, 2004. 10. Post-game nutrition. Better Nutrition. 2004;66(7).

QUESTIONNAIRE

ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY HABITS AND NURTITIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF COLLEGE ATHLETES IN THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KENYA.

Thank you for taking the opportunity to fill out this questionnaire, the results from this research will be used to assess the level of nutrition knowledge and sports nutrition practices of college athletes.

Please ensure that you fill out the questionnaire by yourself, and answer every question. Please only give one answer per question unless the question asks to tick as many as appropriate .This is not a test, please answer honestly. Your answers will remain anonymous and be used only for the research.

SECTION I:

Male _____ Female _____ Year in College _______________

Major _______________________________________

Sport _______________________________________ Age _______

Height _______________ Weight ___________

Where do you usually get your nutrition information? Circle one

Coach, Magazine, TV, Athletic Trainer , Parents, Other_________

Have you had any previous nutrition courses? Yes No

Please Circle the number that applies to each of the following

questions

Refer to the scale below to determine the number of

Days per week defined in each reading.

4 Always: 5-7 days per week, 3 often: 3-4 days per week,

2 Sometimes: 1-2 days per week, 1 Never: Does not occur at all

1. How often do you eat breakfast in the

Morning?4 3 2 1

2. Based on three meals per day, how often do

You skip at least one meal per day?4 3 2 1

3. How often do you take vitamin supplements? 4 3 2 1

4. How often do you take mineral supplements? 4 3 2 1

5. How often do you eat three base meals per

Day ? 4 3 2 1

6. How often do you record what you eat? 4 3 2 1

7. How often do you drink water? 4 3 2 1

8. How often do you drink carbonated

beverages?4 3 2 1

9. How often are you on a “diet”? 4 3 2 1

10. How often do you eat breads, cereals,

pasta, potatoes, or rice?4 3 2 1

11. How often do you eat fruits, such as

apples, bananas, or oranges?4 3 2 1

12. How often do you eat vegetables, such as

broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, or salad?4 3 2 1

13. How often do you eat dairy products such

as milk, yogurt, or cheese?4 3 2 1

14. How often do you snack on foods like

potato chips, cakes, candies, donuts, or

soda?4 3 2 1

15. How often do you eat fast food? 4 3 2 1

16. How often do you seek out nutrition

Information? 4 3 2 1

Please circle the number for each statement indicating to what

extent you agree or disagree with each of the following

Statements.

4 Strongly agree

3 Agree Somewhat

2 Disagree Somewhat

1 Strongly Disagree

1. Skipping breakfast can negatively affect

Athletic performance.4 3 2 1

2. Proteins are the best and most efficient

source of energy.4 3 2 1

3. Nutrition affects mental performance 4 3 2 1

4. The pre-event meal should be eaten 3-4

hours prior to competition.4 3 2 1

.5.Eating breakfast can improve

concentration.4 3 2 1

6. Carbohydrates are less fattening than

fatty foods.4 3 2 1

7. 60% of total calories should come from

carbohydrates.4 3 2 1

8. Carbohydrates are easier to digest than

fats or proteins.4 3 2 1

9. Cereal, bread, bagels, and pasta are

good sources of carbohydrates.4 3 2 1

10. Tofu, nuts and beans are good sources of

proteins4 3 2 1

11. Over consumption of protein is

beneficial for athletes.4 3 2 1

12. Proteins act to repair and build muscle

tissue and make hormones to boost the immune

system.4 3 2 1

13. Fats are essential in all diets. 4 3 2 1

14. If a diet is lacking in carbohydrates,

proteins are then used for energy.4 3 2 1

15. If you are not thirsty, then you must

not be dehydrated.4 3 2 1