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Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Sivas, Turkiye
Abstract
Sports nutrition knowledge plays a critical role in enhancing performance, supporting recovery, and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors. However, studies that comprehensively examine university students’ levels of both general and sports nutrition knowledge remain limited. This study aims to determine students’ nutrition knowledge levels and to identify differences across demographic variables. Using a convenience sampling method, data were collected from 403 participants and analyzed within a cross-sectional survey design. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA were employed. The findings revealed that male students had higher general nutrition knowledge scores compared to female students (p < 0.05). Licensed athletes demonstrated significantly higher sports nutrition knowledge than non-athletes (p < 0.01). A significant difference was observed across sports participation groups (F = 5.873; p < 0.001), with students who reported no sport experience showing notably lower knowledge regarding carbohydrate and protein intake (p < 0.05). Overall, the results indicate substantial variations in nutrition knowledge among university students and highlight that physically inactive individuals may require additional educational support. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing targeted nutrition education programs to enhance knowledge levels and promote healthier dietary behaviors among young adults.
Keywords
General nutrition,macronutrients,student, sports nutrition,university
How to Cite
Konca, E. (2025). Sports nutrition knowledge levels of university students: An investigation of awareness and competency. International Journal of Eurasia Social Sciences, 16(62), 2517–2531. https://doi.org/10.70736/ijoess.1983
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