Hydration and Physical Activity: Perception of Volta Zone College of Education Athletes in Ghana

Abstract

While substantial literature exists on the knowledge, attitude and behaviour among athletes on hydration, little is known about these variables in the Ghanaian context. In view of this dearth in literature, this study investigated the knowledge, attitude and behaviour among College of Education (CoE) athletes on hydration within the context of the KAP Model Theory in the Volta Region of Ghana. The study utilized the cross-sectional descriptive survey design with quantitative approach where 103 CoE athletes were sampled using random sampling technique. After checking for validity and reliability, a structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study which was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation and inferential (Pearson Moment Correlation, Independent samples t-test and One way between ANOVA) statistics. The findings of the study revealed that even though Volta Zone College of Education athletes had fair knowledge and attitude towards hydration, they exhibited good behaviour towards hydration. Besides, the findings further revealed that athletes' knowledge, attitude and behaviour towards hydration was not statistically significant as knowledge had weak association on attitude whereas attitude had a much weaker association with behaviour. Additionally, athletes' demographic variables such as age and gender did not significantly influence their knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards hydration. Hence, the study identifies the need to recommend for new learning strategies for teacher trainees and athletes to improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practices with regards to hydration.