RESUMO
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study examined the differences in psychosocial factors and eating behaviors by the stages of change (SOC) in nutrition management among elementary and middle school athletes. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Subjects were young athletes recruited from the athletic clubs of 10 organizations. Subjects responded to a survey questionnaire, and data on 167 athletes were analyzed. Subjects were grouped into the pre-action or action stage in nutrition management. The χ2 test, t-test, analysis of covariance, and correlation analysis were used in data analysis. RESULTS: Athletes in the action stage (62.3%) compared to the pre-action stage, showed a higher self-efficacy (P < 0.01), and felt more confidence in performing specific eating behaviors (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). Those in the action stage had more favorable beliefs regarding nutrition (P < 0.001) and agreed less strongly on the specific misconceptions/disadvantages of nutrition (P < 0.01) than those in the pre-action stage. Eating behaviors (P < 0.001) and subscales of the eating behaviors (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01) also differed significantly by the SOC group. Place of eating dinner (P < 0.05) and the person who prepares dinner (P < 0.05) showed significant differences by the SOC group. The relationship of self-efficacy, beliefs regarding nutrition, and eating behaviors to the SOC differed by sports type. Beliefs for football athletes, self-efficacy, and beliefs for baseball athletes were correlated significantly with the SOC, whereas all 3 variables were related to the SOC for handball and other athletes. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed differences in psychosocial factors and eating behaviors between the pre-action and action stages. Nutrition education should include strategies to help young athletes modify their beliefs, mainly misconceptions/disadvantages of nutrition, increase self-efficacy, and adopt specific and desirable eating behaviors. Nutrition education might employ different strategies considering the sports type that student-athletes participate.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine differences in weight control practices, beliefs, self-efficacy, and eating behaviors of weight class athletes according to weight control level. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Subjects were weight class athletes from colleges in Gyeong-gi Province. Subjects (n = 182) responded to a questionnaire assessing study variables by self-report, and data on 151 athletes were used for statistical analysis. Subjects were categorized into High vs. Normal Weight Loss (HWL, NWL) groups depending on weight control level. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANCOVA, χ2-test, and multiple logistic regressions. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent of subjects were in the HWL group. The two groups showed significant differences in weight control practices such as frequency (P < 0.01), duration and magnitude of weight loss, methods, and satisfaction with weight control (P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed that self-efficacy (OR: 0.846, 95% CI: 0.730, 0.980), eating behaviors during training period (OR: 1.285, 95% CI: 1.112, 1.485), and eating behaviors during the weight control period (OR: 0.731, 95% CI: 0.620, 0.863) were associated with weight control level. Compared to NWL athletes, HWL athletes agreed more strongly on the disadvantages of rapid weight loss (P < 0.05 - P < 0.01), perceived less confidence in controlling overeating after matches (P < 0.001), and making weight within their weight class (P < 0.05). HWL athletes showed more inappropriate eating behaviors than NWL athletes, especially during the weight control period (P < 0.05 - P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Self-efficacy was lower and eating behaviors during pre-competition period were more inadequate in HWL athletes. Education programs should include strategies to help athletes apply appropriate methods for weight control, increase self-efficacy, and adopt desirable eating behaviors.