Examining the behaviors of athletes with disabilities in nutrition friendly schools

Aim: This research was conducted to examine the effectiveness of the Nutrition Friendly School Project and the nutritional behavior habits of disabled sportsmen and sportswomen students. Material and Method: The research is a descriptive study using cross-sectional approach with general scanning model, one of the quantitative research methods. The research population consists of 232 public schools and 848 students studying in these schools with Nutrition Friendly School certificate affiliated to the Ministry of National Education in Malatya in the 2021-2022 academic year. The sample of the study consists of a total of 322 disabled athletes, 142 girls, and 180 boys, studying in these schools. The family questionnaire, Child Nutrition Self-Efficacy Scale and Nutrition Behavior Scale are applied to the students. Results: The findings show statistically significant differences between the Nutrition Self-Efficacy Scale and Nutrition Behavior Scale mean scores according to the variables of students' gender, parental status, father's education status, and mother's and father's health status. Moreover, it is observed statistically significant differences between the Nutrition Self-Efficacy Scale mean scores, but there is no statistically significant difference between the Nutrition Behavior Scale mean scores. Conclusion: It can be inferred that the children of educated families exhibit more correct eating habits and the children of parents with good economic status have a more unhealthy diet. It is noteworthy that female participants' nutritional competence and eating habits are more positive than males. Keywords: Nutritional Habits, Nutrition-Friendly School, Disabled, Sports.