Evaluation of nutritional habits and nutritional knowledge levels of sports instructors

Athletes and many individuals who do sports have difficulty in distinguishing false information from correct information, and the most frequently asked questions by athletes are questions about nutrition. In addition to the programs that individuals will watch while doing sports, one of the most important and most accessible sources they apply to get nutritional habits and proper nutrition recommendations is sports trainers. In this context, the nutritional knowledge levels of sports trainers are of great importance in order to guide the individuals who consult them correctly. This study was planned and carried out to determine and evaluate the nutritional habits and nutritional knowledge levels of sports trainers. The Sports Nutrition Knowledge Scale was used to determine the nutritional knowledge level of the participants. A total of 65 people, 44 men and 21 women, participated in the study. According to the research data, the daily consumed energy was determined as 2621±656 kcal (M: 2935±497 kcal, F: 1963±416 kcal). The percentage of individuals' DRI energy coverage was 112.1% (M: 117.4%, F: 98.1%). Percentage of energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats in male individuals, respectively; 31.8%, 24.9% and 43.3%, respectively, in women; It was determined as 33.8%, 21.7% and 44.8%. It was determined that the fat ratio was above the recommended amount (30-35%) for both genders. While there was no significant difference in the percentage of carbohydrates and fat according to gender, the percentage of energy from protein was found to be higher in males (p<0.05). Individuals with high visceral adipose tissue ratio (37.3±6.1) Athlete Nutrition Information Scale mean score was significantly higher than individuals with low (44.8±8.5) and moderate (41.0±10.7) fat levels. was found to be low (p<0.05). According to the information obtained as a result of the research, athlete nutrition information; the ratio of weak, average and good individuals, respectively; 86.2%, 12.3% and 1.5%. As a result of the study, it was determined that the knowledge level of sports trainers about nutrition was low. Considering that the sports trainers are the first people to refer to as a source of information about nutrition, it is recommended that necessary studies be carried out to increase the knowledge level of sports trainers and/or to enable the athletes to reach reliable sources of information.