Investigation of the knowledge and awareness levels of rugby athletes regarding metabolic syndrome

The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and awareness regarding Metabolic Syndrome among rugby athletes and to examine these levels in relation to various variables, including Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking status, receipt of professional nutritional support, and duration of sports engagement. A total of 191 athletes (108 males and 83 females) actively participating in rugby teams in Ankara voluntarily took part in the study. Data were collected using a personal information form and the Metabolic Syndrome Knowledge and Awareness Scale (MSKAS). Descriptive statistics and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test were employed in the analysis of the obtained data. According to the study findings, the mean total MSKAS score of the athletes was determined to be 47.62 ± 6.80. The analyses revealed that the total MSKAS scores of athletes receiving professional nutritional support (p=0.028) and those engaged in sports for more than two years (p=0.024), along with relevant subscale scores, were significantly higher. Similarly, individuals with a BMI of 25.00 or above exhibited significantly higher scores on the Awareness (p=0.005) and Prevention (p=0.009) subscales compared to athletes with a BMI below 25.00. Another contradictory finding was that smokers obtained significantly higher scores on the Awareness (p=0.012) and Prevention (p=0.043) subscales than non-smokers. In conclusion, it can be stated that the level of knowledge and awareness regarding metabolic syndrome among rugby athletes is lower compared to student groups that have received theoretical education in the literature; however, this level is positively influenced by factors such as access to specialist support, awareness of the significance and interpretation of body mass index (BMI) as a health indicator, and the duration of active sports engagement.