Coffey AB, Alai NL, Gray VB, Cotter JA, Barrack MT. Nutrition Education Curriculum Promotes Adolescent Runners' Self-Efficacy, Knowledge, and Intake of Nutrient-Rich Carbohydrate Foods.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN NUTRITION ASSOCIATION 2023;
42:178-186. [PMID:
35512779 DOI:
10.1080/07315724.2021.2019139]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Endurance runners exhibit an elevated prevalence of low bone mass and characteristics consistent with undernourishment.
OBJECTIVE
This quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design study evaluated the efficacy of a 4-week nutrition education curriculum to optimize nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy, and the intake of nutrient-rich carbohydrate foods.
METHODS
Forty-eight adolescent endurance runners, age 15.7 ± 1.2 y, from two high schools in Southern California were recruited to complete four, weekly lessons addressing the quantity, quality, and timing of carbohydrate intake. Differences in pre- compared to post-intervention nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy to consume nutrient-rich carbohydrate foods were evaluated using paired samples t-tests. Qualitative coding of open-response questions explored changes in food intake behaviors reported by runners during the intervention.
RESULTS
The percent of nutrition knowledge questions answered correctly increased after Lessons 1 and 2 (59.0% ± 20.0% pre- vs. 81.9% ± 22.8% post-Lesson 1; 44.7% ± 13.7% pre- vs. 74.5% ± 17.4% post-Lesson 2, P<.001) and the number of identified nutrient-rich carbohydrate foods (8.7 ± 2.7 vs. 12.4 ± 2.3, P < 0.001). Self-efficacy scores improved after all lessons (P<.001). After Lesson 2, 84% (n = 27/32) of runners increased the carbohydrate included in a snack or meal; after Lesson 4, 85% (n = 29/34) added a post-exercise snack. Frequent themes identified from questions addressing dietary changes included increasing quantity and quality of carbohydrates in snacks and meals and being more aware of food choices.Conclusions: Findings suggest that the curriculum enhanced nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy, and dietary behaviors related to intake of nutrient-dense carbohydrate foods in adolescent runners.
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