Sports Nutrition Knowledge, Source of Nutrition Information and Dietary Consumption Pattern of Ugandan Endurance Athletes: A cross-sectional study of the Sebei Sub-Region

Abstract

Background Athletes’ nutrition knowledge depends on the sources of nutrition information they are exposed to and their social status. Currently, there is a dearth of literature on the nutrition knowledge of Ugandan athletes. This study assessed endurance athletes’ sports nutrition knowledge, sources of nutrition information, and their dietary consumption patterns. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study including 100 purposively selected (middle and long distance) athletes from four Athletic Management camps was conducted in Kapchorwa district, Uganda. Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, trained research assistants collected athletes’ demographic information, knowledge, practices, sources of nutrition information and consumption patterns. ANOVA, Independent t-test, Chi-square analysis, and Binary logistic analyses were done using SPSS® software version 23.0. Results Most athletes 74.0% (n = 74) in this study were aged between 15–17 (17.9 ± 4.0) years with at least 2 years’ experience in athletics. Majority 68.0% (n = 68) of the athletes had good sports nutrition knowledge while 32.0% (n = 32) showed poor knowledge. About 88.0% (n = 88) knew that vitamin consumption can enhance recovery after training. Athletic trainers 49.0% (n = 49) and family/parents 28.0% (n = 28) were primary sources of nutrition information, while nutritionists/dietitians 5.0% (n = 5) and the internet 4.0% (n = 4) were less consulted. Cereals were the most consumed food group 72.0% (n = 72), followed by legumes and nuts 67.0% (n = 67) while the least consumed foods were milk/egg 33.0% (n = 33), fish 25.0% (n = 25) and meat/poultry 13.0% (n = 13). Good sports nutrition knowledge was associated with adequate dietary practices (p = 0.009). Sports nutrition knowledge differed significantly with age group (F = 4.566, p = 0.013), and between female and male (F = 21.884, p < 0.000) athletes. Age group was a significant predictor (β = 1.925, Ex(β) = 6.853, C. I = 0.882–36.096, p = 0.023) of sports nutrition knowledge. Conclusions In this study endurance athletes had good sports nutrition knowledge, and relied primarily on their coaches/trainers for sports nutrition information. It is recommended that athletic trainers be offered supplementary training in sports nutrition to ensure proper nutrition knowledge dissemination among athletes.