Investigation of nutrition habits and knowledge levels of elite basketball players at different levels

This research was planned and conducted as a descriptive research with the aim of determining the nutritional habits and knowledge levels of elite basketball players at different levels. The sample of the study consisted of athletes playing in the top (1st and 2nd) leagues of basketball. In the study, the Descriptive Information Form and the Nutrition Habits and Knowledge Levels Questionnaire were applied. In the study, the Descriptive Information Form and the Nutrition Habits and Knowledge Levels Questionnaire were applied. In this context, sociodemographic status, information about athlete nutrition, nutritional habits were questioned. The obtained data will be analyzed by looking at the percentage and frequency distributions in the SPPS 22.0 package program. SPSS (version 22.0) program was used in statistical calculations, and percentage (%), frequency distribution (f) analysis of descriptive statistical methods were used in the evaluation of the findings. In cases where the P value was less than 0.05, the difference between the groups was considered significant. When the findings were evaluated, it was found that 100% of male basketball players and 90.6% of female basketball players pay attention to their nutrition. 66.7% of male basketball players and 43.8% of female athletes found their knowledge of nutrition sufficient. It was found that 31.3% of male participants and 28.1% of female participants obtained their knowledge about nutrition from trainers. It was found that 85.4% of male athletes participating in the study and 75% of female athletes do not smoke. In order to determine the difference between the sexes, an independent t test was applied and a significant difference was found in 4 nutrition habits questions (P≤0.05). In order to determine the difference between leagues, an independent t test was applied and a significant difference was found in 2 nutrition habits and 3 nutrition knowledge questions (P≤0.05). Consequently, more research is needed on this subject. It is thought that it would be beneficial for the clubs to support the athletes and coaches with nutrition education. Studies have shown that there is a relationship between nutrition habits and success in sports, so nutritionists should be included in sports clubs.