Personality Determinants Related to the Use of Selective and Effective Dietary Supplements by Elite Polish Team Sport Athletes.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this research was to analyse relationships between personality traits and the use of selected dietary supplements among Polish athletes training in team sports. This subject matter has not been explored in prior research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research was carried out among a group of 213 athletes (men) in the 18-36 age range, with the implementation of a proprietary validated questionnaire for the use of dietary supplements and the NEO-PI-R inventory (Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Personality Inventory-Revised). Statistical analyses were performed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, assuming the following level of significance: α = 0.05. RESULTS: It was shown that athletes who periodically and regularly consumed isotonic drinks, as well as energy bars and gels, were characterised by a lower level of neuroticism than those who did not consume them. Athletes who periodically took multivitamin preparations were characterised by a lower level of extraversion and openness, and those periodically using multimineral preparations were characterised by a higher level of agreeableness than those who did not use these agents. Athletes not taking creatine were characterised by the lowest level of conscientiousness among the study participants. The use of protein nutrients, probiotics and caffeine was not associated with any personality traits in the athletes. CONCLUSIONS: Further relationships of the Big Five personality traits were demonstrated with the use of effective dietary supplements by athletes; the most unambiguous correlations were described for neuroticism and conscientiousness in such a way that the use of isotonic drinks, as well as energy bars and gels, was connected with a low level of neuroticism, while the use of creatine was connected with high conscientiousness.

Sense of generalised self-efficacy and body mass index, diet health quality and pro-health behaviours of nursing students and active professional nurses.

BACKGROUND: Personal resources are one of the determinants of lifestyle and health. The aim of the research was to analyze the relationship between sense of generalized self-efficacy, and body mass index (BMI), diet health quality and health behaviors of female nursing students and active professional nurses. The analyzed variables in the group of students and nurses were also compared. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among a group of 269 women (174 students and 95 nurses working at hospitals), using: the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire (KomPAN), Juczynski's Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). The BMI was assessed on the basis of anthropometric measurements. Statistical calculations were performed using analysis of variance, the Student's t-test, multivariable regression analysis and Pearson's correlation as well as moderation analysis, with the adopted level of statistical significance at α = 0.05. RESULTS: Professionally active nurses achieved higher BMI levels (25.95 vs. 22.31 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and a higher non-healthy diet index - nHDI-14 (17.04 vs. 15.00, p = 0.038) than students. It was shown that with the increase in generalized self-efficacy (GSE), diet health quality and the level of positive mental attitude, proper eating habits and the overall index of health behaviors increased. The BMI increased with the rise in the non-healthy diet index and with the decline in health behaviors (individual categories and the overall index). It was not found that the group (students vs. working nurses) was a moderator of the relationships between health behaviors and indicators of diet health quality with GSE of the studied nurses (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nurses with a higher sense of self-efficacy declared a higher diet health quality and healthier behaviors, and their BMI was related to diet quality and health behaviors. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(4):251-61.

Selected personal resources and nutritional behaviours of Polish handball players.

Background: Diet, as one of the factors influencing exercise capacity depends, among others, on individual conditions. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyse the nutritional behaviours of Polish handball players depending on their level of generalised self-efficacy as well as disposable optimism and satisfaction with life. Material and methods: The study was carried out among a group of 142 men, aged 20-34, professionally training handball, using the author's original nutritional behaviour questionnaire and the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Life Orientation Scale (LOT-R) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Statistical analysis of the results was conducted by estimating Spearman's signed rank correlation coefficients, assuming the significance level of p <0.05. Results: To the highest degree, the handball players fulfilled recommendations regarding the regular consumption of at least 3 meals a day, adequate fluid supplementation in conditions of physical exercise and eating the most caloric meal before or after main training sessions. Along with the increase in sense of efficacy (GSES), the scale of reducing sweet and salty snacks increased (p<0.05). Increasing optimism was conducive to proper hydration (p<0.05) and avoidance of sweet and salty snacks (p<0.05). With the increase in sense of satisfaction with life, the implementation of recommendations regarding the consumption of dairy products and vegetable fats, as well as adequate fluid supplementation in conditions of physical exercise, increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the studied group of handball players, a limited scale of implementing qualitative nutritional recommendations for athletes was demonstrated. Moreover, positive correlations were noted between the analysed personal resources and some rational nutritional behaviours of the athletes, especially in terms of avoiding non-recommended products and correct fluid replenishment.

Body mass index, functional fitness and nutritional behaviours of senior women from the Kraków population.

Background: Body Mass Index (BMI) is dependent on, among others, diet and level of physical activity. Seniors are more prone to nutritional disorders than other population groups. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between BMI and nutritional behaviours as well as the functional fitness level of senior women. Materials and methods: The research was carried out among a group of 120 women aged 60-84, using the TANITA SC-330ST body composition analyser, the HOLTAIN anthropometer, the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test and the authordesigned nutritional behaviour questionnaire for seniors. Statistical analyses were conducted using the IBM SPSS 21 statistical package, applying the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA tests with comparisons of z tests at the significance level p<0.05. Results: In terms of the relationship between BMI and functional fitness indices, it was shown that women with normal weight obtained higher results for the lower body (p=0.043) and upper body agility tests than obese women (p<0.001). Females with normal BMI also obtained higher results in the endurance test than the overweight women (p=0.038). In terms of the correlation between BMI and nutritional behaviours, it was demonstrated that women with a healthy body mass more often ate varied, low-volume meals than those overweight (p=0.026). Women with correct weight ate fish, eggs and lean meat more often than obese women (p=0.036). Obese women consumed 3-5 portions of fruit and vegetables less frequently during the day than women with normal body mass (p=0.029) and those overweight (p=0.015). Obese women were less likely to eat sea fish at least 1-2 times a week than overweight females (p=0.040) and those with normal BMI (p<0.001). At the same time, women with a normal BMI indicated a higher degree of performed daily physical activity than the overweight women (p=0.028) and those with obesity (p=0.030). Conclusions: Women with normal BMI presented more rational nutrition habits and higher functional fitness than overweight and obese senior women.

Personality Determinants of Exercise-Related Nutritional Behaviours among Polish Team Sport Athletes.

A proper diet increases the effectiveness of training and accelerates post-workout regeneration. One of the factors determining eating behaviour are personality traits, including those included in the Big Five model, i.e., neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. The aim of this study was to analyse the personality determinants of peri-exercise nutritional behaviours among an elite group of Polish athletes practicing team sports. The study was conducted in a group of 213 athletes, using the author's validated questionnaire of exercise-related nutrition behaviours and the NEO-PI-R (Neuroticism Extraversion Openness-Personality Inventory-Revised). A statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's linear correlation and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients as well as a multiple regression analysis, assuming a significance level of α = 0.05. It has been shown that the level of the overall index regarding normal peri-exercise eating behaviours decreased with increasing neuroticism (r = -0.18) and agreeableness (r = -0.18). An analysis of the relationship between the personality traits (sub-scales) of the Big Five model demonstrated that the overall index of proper peri-exercise nutrition decreased with the intensification of three neuroticism traits, i.e., hostility/anger (R = -0.20), impulsiveness/immoderation (R = -0.18), and vulnerability to stress/learned helplessness (R = -0.19), and four traits of agreeableness, i.e., straightforwardness/morality (R = -0.17), compliance/cooperation (R = -0.19), modesty (R = -0.14), and tendermindedness/sympathy (R = -0.15) (p < 0.05). A multiple regression analysis exhibited that the full model consisting of all the analysed personality traits explained 99% of the variance concerning the level of the proper peri-exercise nutrition index. In conclusion, the index of proper nutrition under conditions of physical effort decreases along with the intensification of neuroticism and agreeableness among Polish athletes professionally practicing team sports.

Satisfaction with Life and Nutritional Behaviour, Body Composition, and Functional Fitness of Women from the Kraków Population Participating in the "Healthy Active Senior" Programme.

Pro-health behaviours are related to a person's personal resources. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between satisfaction with life (SWL), nutritional behaviours, somatic indices, and functional efficiency of senior women. The research was conducted among 120 women aged 60-84 (Me = 65) participating in the "Healthy Active Senior" project at the University of Physical Education in Kraków. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the proprietary validated questionnaire of nutritional behaviour were used. Body composition was assessed using the method of bioelectrical impedance (TANITA SC-330ST analyser), while physical fitness was evaluated via the Senior Fitness test (Fullerton Functional Fitness Test). Correlations between the variables were measured by implementing Spearman's R signed-rank correlation coefficients (with p < 0.05). Positive correlations between SWL and selected nutrition behaviours have been demonstrated, including eating 5-6 meals (p < 0.001) and drinking at least 2 litres of fluids a day (p = 0.023), consuming cereal products daily, including whole-grains (p = 0.001), avoiding alcoholic beverages (p = 0.030), and applying vitamin D supplementation (p = 0.010). At the same time, negative correlations between SWL and limiting the consumption of red as well as processed meats (p = 0.002), animal fats (p = 0.046), and the preference for vegetable oils in one's diet (p = 0.023) were shown. Significant correlations between satisfaction with life and two indicators of functional fitness were also confirmed: negative-with the variable '2.44-m Get-Up and Go' (p = 0.003); and positive-with the '2-Minute Step in Place' test (p = 0.034). The relationships between SWL and somatic indices did not reach the level of statistical significance. Among the women participating in the "Healthy Active Senior" programme, correlations between SWL and rational nutritional behaviours, as well as indices of functional fitness, were found (mostly positive), while the trends in these areas were not fully unambiguous, suggesting the validity of conducting further research.

Personality Determinants of Diet Health Quality among an Elite Group of Polish Team Athletes.

The aim of the study was to analyse personality determinants of diet health quality among of an elite group of Polish team athletes. The correlations between personality traits of the big five model and the indices of diet health quality (the pro-healthy diet index, pHDI-10 and the non-healthy diet index, nHDI-14) were assessed. Research was carried out among 213 athletes (males), using the beliefs and eating habits questionnaire (Kom-PAN) and the neuroticism extraversion openness personality inventory-revised (NEO-PI-R). Statistical analysis was performed with the use of Pearson's linear and Spearman's signed rank correlation coefficients as well as multiple regression, assuming the significance level of α = 0.05. It has been shown that the pro-healthy diet index (pHDI-10) decreased with increasing Neuroticism, while an increase was noted along with increasing Extraversion. In the case of the non-healthy diet index (nHDI-14) a decrease along with a simultaneous increase in the level of Agreeableness (p < 0.05). Significant (but weak) correlations have been indicated between personality traits and diet health quality. The identified dependencies may be used to personalise the impact of dietary education among athletes.

Sense of self-efficacy and the content of energy and nutrients in the diet of elite Polish basketball players.

Background: In research on the subject, the predictive importance of personal resources is indicated for diet quality. Objective: The aim of the study was quantitative assessment of diet depending on the level of generalised self- efficacy among elite Polish basketball players. Material and Methods: Food diaries (2 training days and 1 no training day) of 48 basketball players were analysed. Further assessed were 144 food rations based on the Diet 6.0 program, and the results were compared to the current Polish nutritional standards. The Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) was also used. Statistical analyses were performed by estimating Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (p<0.05). Results: The share of energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates was 18.2%, 29.4% and 52.4%, respectively. Of the mineral salts, the average diet contained: 2,107.6 mg sodium, 2,918.3 mg potassium, 736.3 mg calcium, 1,372.2 mg phosphorus, 380.1 mg magnesium, and 11.6 mg iron. Of the vitamins, the average diet contained: 1,100.3 µg of vitamin A, 5.3 µg of vitamin D, vitamin E in the amount of 8.2 mg, 78.1 mg of vitamin C, 1.1 mg vitamin B1, 1.3 mg vitamin B2, 1.9 mg of vitamin B6, 271.7 µg of vitamin B9 and 4.7 µg of vitamin B12. It was also shown that as the sense of self-efficacy developed, the supply of energy, water, protein, digestible carbohydrates, energy from carbohydrates, sucrose and PUFAs also increased in the players' diets. At the same time, along with the increase in self-efficacy, the supply of: Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Cu and iodine as well as vitamins: A, E, B1, B3, B6 and C, also increased in the players' diets. Conclusions: Incomplete diet balance has been demonstrated, as well as significant relationships between the level of self-efficacy and the supply of certain nutrients in the diet of elite Polish basketball players. The obtained results indicate the legitimacy of diet monitoring and nutritional education as well as considering personality traits in activities promoting maintaining a proper diet among athletes.

Personality Determinants of Eating Behaviours among an Elite Group of Polish Athletes Training in Team Sports.

The nutritional behaviours of athletes are determined by environmental and individual factors. The aim of the research was to analyse the personality determinants of the eating behaviour among an elite group of Polish athletes training in team sports. The research was conducted among 213 athletes, using a proprietary validated nutritional behaviour questionnaire and the Neuroticism Extraversion Openness-Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R Personality Inventory). Statistical analysis was performed with the use of Pearson's linear and Spearman's signed rank correlation coefficients, as well as multiple regression evaluation, assuming the significance level of α = 0.05. It was shown that the overall index of proper eating behaviour increased with increasing neuroticism (r = 0.132) and decreased with increasing openness to experience (r = -0.143). When assessing individual nutritional behaviours, it was indicated, among others, that with increasing neuroticism, athletes more often avoided energy drinks (R = 0.173), and with increasing extraversion, they more frequently consumed vegetables at least twice a day (R = 0.154). At the same time, the consumption of raw vegetables (R = -0.153), 2-3 portions of vegetables and fruit per day (R = -0.157) and the limitation of sweet and salty snacks (R = -0.152) decreased along with an increase in openness. On the other hand, with increasing conscientiousness, the regular consumption of meals (R = 0.186), dairy products (R = 0.143) and the reduction of sweet and salty snacks (R = 0.148) increased. The model built on the basis of the Big Five personality traits explained, to a very large extent (approx. 99%), variance concerning the general index of normal eating behaviour among athletes. The predictive significance of the personality traits presented in the Big Five model was demonstrated in relation to the quality of nutritional choices among Polish athletes competitively training in team sports, which may be used to personalise the dietary education of athletes.

Personality Determinants of Diet Quality among Polish and Spanish Physical Education Students.

The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and diet quality indexes among Polish and Spanish physical education students. The study was conducted among students from Poland (n = 219) and Spain (n = 280), using the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire and the NEO-FFI (NEO Five-Factor Inventory) questionnaire. Two indexes were used: the Pro-healthy Diet Index (pHDI-10) and the Non-healthy Diet Index (nHDI-14). For statistical analysis, the t-test with independent estimation of variance as well as both Spearman's and Pearson's correlation analysis and moderation analysis with simple slopes were used. Polish and Spanish physical education students demonstrated low levels of healthy (pHDI-10) and unhealthy (nHDI-14) diet indexes, with Polish students showing significantly higher intensities of both indicators (p < 0.001). As extraversion intensified, the levels of pHDI-10 and nHDI-14 increased (p < 0.05). The nHDI-14 index for all students decreased along with increasing openness to experiences (p < 0.01) and agreeableness (p < 0.05), and the pHDI-10 index increased with the rise in conscientiousness (p < 0.01). Analyses have indicated that the home country is an important moderator of personality relationships with the Non-healthy Diet Index (nHDI-14), which, along with the increase in conscientiousness, increased in students from Spain, while it decreased among students from Poland (p < 0.001). Polish and Spanish physical education students showed a low level of healthy (pHDI-10) and unhealthy (nHDI-14) diets depending on country of origin. Additionally, significant correlations were noted between the Big Five personality traits and pHDI-10 and nHDI-14 indexes, and a moderating impact was observed by the home country on the relationships of selected personality traits with the Non-healthy Diet Index (nHDI-14).

Personality-Related Determinants of Physical Activity Among Polish and Spanish Physical Education Students.

We aimed to analyze personality-related determinants of physical activity among Polish and Spanish physical education (PE) students. The study was conducted among 219 Polish and 280 Spanish PE students, using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the NEO-FFI Personality Inventory. Compared with Spanish PE students, their Polish counterparts are characterized by a higher level of extraversion and conscientiousness and a lower level of neuroticism. The level of total physical activity for all students was 8,697.21 METs, and this value was higher among Polish students. Among Polish and Spanish PE students, the level of total, vigorous, and moderate physical activity increased along with the increase in extraversion, while a decrease occurred along with the increase in neuroticism. The level of each domain of physical activity also increased in line with the intensification of student conscientiousness. In moderation analyses, it was shown that the home country of students may be considered a moderator of the relationship between conscientiousness and total exercise in such a way that the physical activity increased along with the increase in conscientiousness only among the Polish students. In addition, the country is a moderator of the correlation between moderate physical activity and neuroticism (p = 0.031), openness (p = 0.049), and conscientiousness (p = 0.019), with moderate activity only decreasing among Polish students and increasing along with the increase in openness and conscientiousness. Positive correlations among physical activity, extraversion, and conscientiousness, as well as negative ones with neuroticism, were demonstrated among Polish and Spanish students, and also the moderating impact of the country on the correlation between personality-related dimensions and physical activity.

Frequency of consuming selected product groups among Polish and Spanish physical education students.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional behaviours are determined by numerous individual and environmental factors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse the frequency of consuming selected food product groups (with potentially beneficial and potentially detrimental effects on health) among physical education students depending on gender and home country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 219 Polish and 280 Spanish physical education students, using a standardised questionnaire for obtaining information on views and eating habits for people aged 16-65 (Kom-PAN). In the statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test and t-test with independent estimation of variance were incorporated,the significance level at α = 0.05. RESULTS: Among Polish and Spanish students, significant differences in the frequency of consuming certain product groups depending on home country were noted, with Polish students significantly more frequently consuming recommended products (fruit, vegetables, whole-grains, milk, fromage frais, and poultry), but also those non-recommended (purified cereals, cheeses with high fat content, butter, fried foods, sweets and alcoholic beverages). Spanish students significantly more often consumed recommended meals including legume seeds and sea fish, but also non-recommended products (red meat, fast food, sweets and energy drinks). Moreover, significant differences in the frequency of consuming selected product groups depending on sex were observed, with an indication of the tendency for less rational food choices among male students than female students, especially regarding the consumption of: high-milled cereal products, processed and red meat, fatty cheeses, fried foods, lard, sweets and energy drinks. On the other hand, women consumed sweets significantly more often than men, and less often legume seeds and fish. CONCLUSIONS: A limited prevalence of rational dietary choices among Polish and Spanish physical education students and their diversity depending on gender and home country have been demonstrated.

Dietary mistakes of Polish athletes in relation to the frequency of consuming foods recommended in the Swiss food pyramid for active people

Background: Mistakes in dietary choices and an unbalanced diet reduce the exercise capacity of athletes. Nutritional behaviours are conditioned by environmental and individual factors. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the scale of improper eating behaviours among high-performance Polish athletes depending on gender, sports level and type of discipline. Material and methods: The study was conducted among 610 athletes (391 men and 219 women). The group consisted of 289 athletes of individual disciplines and 321 team sports athletes representing the championship sports class (282 individuals) as well as the first and second classes (328 subjects). The authors' validated nutritional behaviour questionnaire was used, referring to the recommendation of the Swiss nutrition pyramid for athletes. In statistical analysis, the Chi2 test was applied (α=0.05). Results: Athletes most often demonstrated improper behaviours regarding: insufficient frequency of consuming vegetable fats (61.78%), fruits (59.89%), wholegrain products (59.90%), vegetables (53.62%) and dairy products (52.09%), and not limiting the intake of energy drinks (59.89%). Compared to women, men, to a larger extent, did not include the following in their daily diet: raw vegetables (p<0.001), wholegrain products (p<0.05) and vegetable fats (p<0.01). Significantly more often, they also did not limit the consumption of: animal fats (p<0.001), sweetened carbonated beverages (p<0.001), energy drinks (p<0.05) or fast food products (p<0.001). Women consumed meals less regularly (p<0.01), rarely ate fish (p<0.01), and were more likely to be inadequately hydrated (p<0.05). Athletes training individual sports disciplines compared to those training team sports consumed hydrating beverages (p<0.001) less often, but included fruit in their daily diet more frequently (p<0.05). Athletes from the master class consumed meals irregularly (p<0.01) in a smaller percentage than athletes with a lower sports class, not limiting animal fats (p<0.05) and implementing inadequate hydration (p<0.05). Conclusions: The scale of incorrect nutrition choices among athletes indicated variations depending on gender, sports level and type of sport practiced, with incorrect behaviours more often presented by men than women and competitors with a lower sports level (non-master class). The nature of the performed discipline was a factor less differentiating the nutritional choices of athletes.

Life satisfaction and other determinants of eating behaviours among women aged 40-65 years with type 2 diabetes from the Krakow population.

INTRODUCTION: A rational dietary model is one of the key aspects in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to analyse the frequency of consuming selected groups of food products among women aged 40-65 years with type 2 diabetes, depending on age, BMI, duration of disease, and level of life satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out among 276 women using the author's specially designed questionnaire (metric data, duration of diabetes) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). We assessed BMI values on the basis of measurements of somatic indicators (body mass and height). Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's r and Spearman's R correlation coefficients via the SPSS programme (significance level of α = 0.05). RESULTS: Among the women with type 2 diabetes we observed nutritional deficiencies, in particular a low frequency of consuming the recommended product groups (vegetables, fruit, legume seeds, whole-grain cereals, dairy products with reduced fat content, and nuts). The scale of rational dietary choices among women increased along with age and perceived life satisfaction. As the time from diagnosis passed, this scale decreased. A decrease was also noted along with the increase in BMI. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of consuming some product groups shows a significant relationship with age, BMI, duration of disease, and the level of life satisfaction among women aged 40-65 years with type 2 diabetes.

Selected determinants of eating behaviours among preschool children from the Kraków environment

Background: One of the factors determining the nutritional behaviour of children and adolescents is family socio-economic status. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional behaviour of preschool children from the Kraków environment depending on the sex of the child and the mother's level of education. Material and methods: The study was carried out among a group of mothers of 480 (240 girls and 240 boys) 4-6-yearolds, using the author's questionnaire on dietary behaviours. Children of mothers with higher education accounted for 63.5%, and those with primary, vocational and secondary education constituted 36.5% of the group. Statistical analysis was carried out using the PQStat package 1.6.6.246 version, applying Pearson's Chi-squared test (p<0.05). Results: The girls consumed a significantly greater amount of: vegetables (p<0.01), fruit (p<0.05), wholemeal bread (p<0.001) as well as milk and dairy products (p<0.001), and boys: meat and cold-cuts from poultry (p<0.001) and sweets (p<0.05). Children of mothers with higher education more frequently consumed: vegetables (p<0.001), fruit (p<0.001), wholemeal bread (p<0.001), fish (p<0.01) and eggs (p=0.01), and children of mothers with secondary and vocational education: milk and dairy products (p<0.05), meat and cold-cuts from poultry (p<0.001) and sweets (p=0.001), salted snacks (p<0.001) and sweetened fizzy beverages (p<0.05). Conclusions: Diversity in some dietary choices of preschool children from the Kraków environment has been demonstrated, depending on the sex of children and the mother's level of education. Furthermore, it is indicated that girls and the children of mother's with higher education are characterised by a more favourable diet.

The sense of life satisfaction versus dietary choices of young women doing fitness for recreational purposes

Background: : The health potential of a person can be improved thanks to recreational physical activity and rational diet. The sense of life satisfaction is also one of significant health resources. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the relations between the level of life satisfaction and the frequency of consuming selected products in the group of young women who engage in fitness for recreational purposes. Material and Methods: The study involved 200 young women (20-30 years old) who regularly do recreational physical activity in fitness clubs in Malopolska. An original questionnaire was used to measure the frequency of consumption of food products, with the following scale: several times a day, once a day, several times a week, once a week, several times a month, and more rarely / never. The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) by Diener et al., adapted into Polish by Juczynski, was used to measure life satisfaction. The results were analyzed with the use of U Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients in a statistical package PQStat ver. 1.6. Results: Statistical analysis showed that along with higher life satisfaction, women significantly less often consumed: white bread (p<0.05) and whole milk (p<0.05), and significantly more often: wholemeal bread (p<0.05), whole-grain rice and pasta (p<0.001), legumes (p<0.05), fermented milk products (p<0.05), fish (p<0.05), seafood (p<0.01), beef (p<0.01) and vegetable juices (p<0.001). The comparison of the mean frequency of consumption of certain foods depending on the level of life satisfaction (low vs. high according to the SWLS) showed that women who displayed high life satisfaction significantly more often consumed wholemeal bread (p<0.01), whole-grain rice and pasta (p<0.001), curd cheese with reduced fat content (p<0.05), seafood (p<0.05), beef (p<0.001) and vegetable juices (p<0.05), and significantly less often, sweets and confectionery (p<0.05) than did women displaying low life satisfaction. Conclusions: The study proved the predictive role of life satisfaction in the development of eating habits of young, physically active women, indicating more rational dietary choices of women with higher levels of this individual quality.

Selected personality - related determinants of alcohol beverage consumption among Polish elite team sport athletes.

BACKGROUND: Many studies documented an increase in the alcohol consumption among athletes, particularly among representatives of some disciplines, such as team sports. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse the consumption of alcohol beverages among Polish elite team sport athletes, depending on their sex, age and selected personality traits (general self-efficacy and health locus of control). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 517 Polish team sport athletes (251 women an 266 men). The subjects were examined with an original alcoholic beverage intake survey, General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales (MHLC). Relationship between the intake of alcoholic beverages and explanatory variables (sex, age, psychological traits) was determined on multivariate analysis of variance and analysis of regression. RESULTS: Beer turned out to be an alcoholic beverage which the surveyed athletes consumed most often (a few times per month on average). Wine, spirits and alcoholic cocktails were consumed less often (once a month on average). Multivariate analysis showed that consumption of wine, including dry wine, increased significantly with age of the study subjects (p<0.001). Women significantly less frequently considered beer and vodka (p<0.001), whereas men significantly less often preferred wine (p<0.05). The level of general self-efficacy did not influence the intake of alcoholic beverages (p>0.05). Lower levels of Internality were associated with less frequent consumption of beer (p<0.001), and lower scores for Powerful Others with lower intakes of dry wine (p<0.001) and vodka (p<0.01). Lower scores for Chance showed a significant association with lesser preference for alcoholic cocktails (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency and structure of otherwise relatively limited intake of alcoholic beverages among elite team sport athletes were influenced by their sex, age and health locus of control. KEY WORDS: athletes, team sports, alcoholic beverages, personality traits, self-efficacy, health locus of control.

Association between general self-efficacy level and use of dietary supplements in the group of American football players.

BACKGROUND: Increased nutritional demands of athletes should be covered with a variable well-balanced diet, supported by dietary supplements stimulating synthesis of energy, development of muscle mass and strength, and improving physical capacity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze an association between the level of general self-efficacy and dietary supplement use among Polish athletes practicing American football on a competitive basis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included the group of 100 athletes (20-30 years of age, mean 24.27±2.76 years) who practiced American football on a competitive basis. The popularity of various dietary supplements was determined with an original survey, and the level of general self-efficacy with General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) by Schwarzer et al. Statistical analysis, conducted with Statistica 10.0 PL software, included intergroup comparisons with the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Isotonic drinks (74%), vitamin (65%) and mineral supplements (50%) and protein concentrates (53%) turned out to be the most popular ergogenic supplements among the American footballers. The group of less popular supplements included caffeine and/or guarana (44%), joint supporting supplements (40%), BCAA amino acids (39%), creatine (36%), carbohydrate concentrates (30%) and omega-3 fatty acids (30%). Analysis of a relationship between the popularity of ergogenic supplements and general self-efficacy showed that the athletes presenting with lower levels of this trait used multivitamin supplements significantly more often than did the persons characterized by lower self-efficacy levels (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The popularity of some dietary supplements varied depending on the general self-efficacy level of the athletes; the popularity of vitamins was significantly higher among the sportsmen who presented with lower levels of this trait.

Association between self-efficacy and dietary behaviours of American football players in the Polish Clubs in the light of dietary recommendations for athletes.

BACKGROUND: Personality traits associated with one's health beliefs and expectations constitute a determinant of dietary behaviours. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse the dietary behaviours of young American football players in the Polish clubs and association thereof with their general self-efficacy level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included the group of 100 young men (20-30 years of age) who practiced American football on a professional basis in three Polish clubs. The study was based on an original dietary behaviour questionnaire derived from the Swiss Food Pyramid for Athletes and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Statistical analysis, conducted with Statistica 10.0 PL software, included intergroup comparisons with the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Having at least three meals per day (82%), consumption of such protein products as eggs and/or meat several times per week (68%) and including cereal products in every main meal (67%) turned out to be the most often followed qualitative recommendations of the Swiss Food Pyramid for Athletes in the group of American football players. Other, frequently followed dietary recommendations included remaining on a variable diet (75%), preference to mineral water and other non- sweetened beverages (69%), reduced intake of sweets and salted snacks (65%), energy drinks (64%) and fast food products (60%). The least frequently declared dietary behaviours included consuming recommended amounts of vegetables/fruits (48%) and wholegrain cereal products (45%), and reduced intake of animal fats (42%). Analysis of a relationship between specific dietary behaviours and general self-efficacy level showed that the athletes with higher levels of this trait consumed recommended daily amounts of vegetables (54% vs. 26%, p<0.01) and cereal products (87% vs. 50%, p<0.001), had recommended number of meals per day (96% vs. 70%, p<0.001) and ate regularly (76% vs. 24%, p<0.001) significantly more often than the persons characterized by lower self-efficacy levels. CONCLUSIONS: Players with higher general self-efficacy levels adhere to the recommendations of the Swiss Food Pyramid for Athletes to a larger extent than the sportsmen with lower levels of this trait.

Soy and legume seeds as sources of isoflavones: selected individual determinants of their consumption in a group of perimenopausal women.

THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: The aim of this study was to analyze selected individual determinants of consumption of soy products and legumes by menopausal women. The analyzed individual characteristics included the level of general self-efficacy, optimism, and satisfaction with life. The study, using a questionnaire for the assessment of food product consumption frequency, and psychological tests (GSES, LOT-R, SWLS), was conducted in a group of 320 women aged between 45 and 55 years. Spearman's coefficient of rank correlation and the Kruskal-Wallis test with the Dunn test for multiple comparisons were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analyzed 45-55-year-old women consumed legume seeds several times a month on average, while the frequency of soy/soy product consumption was lower than once a month. Statistical analysis revealed that the frequency of soy product consumption increased with the level of self-efficacy, optimism and satisfaction with life (p < 0.01). Also the increased frequency of legume seed consumption was associated with higher level of optimism and satisfaction with life (p < 0.01). RESULTS: Intergroup comparisons of the average consumption frequency of these products confirmed that legume seeds were significantly more frequently chosen by women characterized by high rather than low levels of optimism (3.36 vs. 2.62, p < 0.001) and satisfaction with life (3.36 vs. 2.65, p < 0.01). Also soy products were preferred significantly more often by women with higher levels of optimism (2.00 vs. 1.38, p < 0.05) and satisfaction with life (2.02 vs. 1.39, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of legume seeds, and especially soy products, was revealed to be very low among perimenopausal women, and varied depending on the analyzed individual traits, with a tendency to more frequent ingestion by individuals with higher levels of self-efficacy, optimism, and satisfaction with life.