Factors Influencing Stages of Changes in Food Intake and Conditions of Eating Habits in University Student Athletes

Abstract

To clarify factors influencing stages of changes in food intake, questionnaires were carried out in 143 university student athletes. A logistic analysis revealed that, in male athletes, longer sleep times and regular players were positive factors for promoting stages of changes. In female athletes, experiences of nourishment supports and less problems of eating habits were positive factors. The average evaluation rates for main dish, side dish, and full meal were higher in later stages of changes than in earlier stages in female athletes. In male athletes, the average evaluation rates for dairy products was higher in later stages of changes. These results suggest that consideration of a gender-related difference is necessary to implement a transtheoretical model (TTM)-based dietary education program for university student athletes.