Understanding the Role of Nutrition Education in Dietary Supplement Use Among Athletes
The use of dietary supplements among varsity athletes is a topic of significant interest, given the potential impact on performance and health. However, the decision to use these supplements is often influenced by a complex interplay of psychological and social factors. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of an online nutrition education program in altering the intentions and related determinants of dietary supplement use among varsity athletes at the University of Guelph in Canada.
Study Design and Methodology
The study employed a randomized wait-list controlled trial design, involving 30 varsity athletes who were divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 18) and a control group (n = 12). The experimental group was given access to an online nutrition education program that focused on sports nutrition and dietary supplements, while the control group did not have access to this program during the study period.
The theoretical framework for this study was the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which posits that behavior is driven by intentions, which in turn are influenced by attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms. The study measured changes in these determinants before and after the intervention.
Key Findings
The results indicated a significant intervention effect on several key determinants of dietary supplement use:
1. Attitudes: There was a notable shift in attitudes towards dietary supplements among the experimental group. The mean attitude score for the control group increased slightly from 13.17 to 13.92, while the experimental group’s score decreased from 13.56 to 12.11, suggesting a more critical stance towards supplement use post-intervention.
2. Perceived Behavioral Control: The experimental group showed a significant increase in perceived behavioral control, with mean scores rising from 16.11 to 18.39, compared to a minor increase in the control group from 15.92 to 16.33. This indicates that the education program empowered athletes to feel more in control of their decisions regarding supplement use.
3. Intentions: The most striking change was observed in the intentions to use dietary supplements. The experimental group’s mean intention score dropped from 12.89 to 9.44, while the control group’s score decreased only slightly from 12.5 to 11.58. This suggests that the education program effectively reduced the athletes’ intentions to use supplements.
However, the study found no significant changes in descriptive and injunctive norms, which refer to the perceived behaviors and approvals of others. This indicates that while individual attitudes and control were influenced, the social environment and peer perceptions remained unchanged.
Implications and Future Directions
The findings of this study highlight the potential of targeted nutrition education programs to influence the determinants of dietary supplement use among varsity athletes. By improving attitudes and perceived behavioral control, such programs can lead to more informed and cautious approaches to supplement use.
However, the lack of change in subjective norms suggests that future interventions should also focus on altering the social environment and peer influences. This could involve group discussions, peer-led education sessions, or integrating nutrition education into team activities to create a more supportive and informed community.
Commentary by SuppBase Columnist Alice Winters
This study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of nutrition education in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of varsity athletes towards dietary supplements. The significant changes in attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and intentions underscore the importance of education in empowering athletes to make informed decisions.
However, the study also reveals a critical gap in addressing social norms. While individual attitudes can be shifted through education, the broader social environment plays a crucial role in sustaining these changes. Future interventions should adopt a more holistic approach, incorporating strategies to influence peer behaviors and perceptions.
Moreover, the study’s focus on varsity athletes at a single university limits the generalizability of the findings. Expanding the research to include a more diverse population and longer follow-up periods would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the long-term impact of such educational programs.
In conclusion, while this study marks a significant step forward in understanding the determinants of dietary supplement use among athletes, it also highlights the need for more comprehensive and socially integrated approaches to nutrition education. By addressing both individual and social factors, we can create a more informed and health-conscious athletic community.
