Nutritional knowledge and awareness of adolescent athlete: Preventing nutritional deficiencies and efforts to improve performance

Abstract

Adolescents who participate in sports have increased nutritional needs; adolescent athletes require a wide range of nutrients to support significant growth and physical development. This study aimed to examine the nutrition knowledge and eating habits of adolescent athletes in relation to their nutritional status in special sports classes and to identify the most well-understood basic nutritional concepts. The research was quantitative and descriptive, involving 133 students selected through simple random sampling. The research instruments included the NUKYA (Nutritional Knowledge for Young and Adult Athletes) questionnaire (covering macronutrients, hydration, eating periodization, micronutrients) and the Adolescent Food Habit Checklist. Results showed that 35% of students had adequate nutritional knowledge, while 65% had inadequate knowledge. Regarding eating habits, the characteristics of KKO students tend to lean towards healthy eating behaviors, with 77.4% exhibiting healthy habits and 22.6% unhealthy habits. Analysis of the nutritional knowledge section revealed that the highest percentage of knowledge was in sports nutrition periodization, while the lowest was in macronutrients. Based on the data, there was no significant relationship between nutritional knowledge (p = 0.188) or eating habits (p = 0.848) and nutritional status. However, comprehensive nutritional education is essential for adolescent athletes to develop into professional athletes. Providing education and optimal nutritional materials can improve their behavior and knowledge, leading to better health and sports performance.