Development of a Theory-Based Nutrition Education Program Targeting Varsity Athletes at a Canadian University

Area of Science:

• Sports Nutrition
• Health Education
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Varsity athletes often have misconceptions about dietary supplements.
• Social influences and perceived benefits impact supplement use among athletes.
• A targeted educational intervention is needed to address these issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop an online educational intervention for varsity athletes.
• To improve nutrition knowledge and dietary supplement-related knowledge.
• To modify attitudes, norms, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and behaviors regarding supplement use, guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB).

Main Methods:

• Intervention development based on formative research and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB).
• Content focused on sports nutrition, hydration, dietary supplements, and associated risks.
• Integration into the university's learning management system.

Main Results:

• The intervention addressed widespread misconceptions and social influences identified in formative research.
• Program units were mapped to TPB constructs to reshape underlying beliefs.
• Effectiveness was evaluated using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires.

Conclusions:

• The developed online program provides a replicable model for athlete education.
• The intervention successfully targeted key beliefs influencing dietary supplement use.
• A food-first approach was emphasized to promote healthier nutritional strategies.