Assessment of Nutritional Knowledge of Lebanese Coaches: A Unique Study in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

Abstract

Background: Trainers provide nutritional information to their athletes, yet, their skills in this field remain weak. No related research has been conducted so far in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 151 trainers working with adolescent athletes completed a validated psychometric questionnaire that identifies their practices of disseminating nutritional advice to athletes, their degree of nutritional knowledge, and the factors identifying their level of knowledge. Results: A considerable number of trainers gave advice to their athletes (82.8%). The trainers answered 51.1% of knowledge questions correctly. According to t-test results, the trainers, who provided nutrition advice scored 54.5%, significantly higher than trainers, who did not provide advice (47.7%; P = 0.002). A one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant relationship between the score of the total knowledge of all trainers and qualifications (P = 0.001), own knowledge rating (P = 0.001), and nutrition training (P = 0.002). Conclusions: These trainers were not ready to give advice to athletes and they should undergo additional nutrition training.