ASSESSMENTS OF DIETARY PRACTICE, FOOD CONSUMPTION FREQUENCY, NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, AND NUTRITIONAL TIMING OF FOOTBALL CLUB PLAYERS IN DIRE DAWA CITY ADMINISTRATION, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study was assessed the dietary practices, frequency of food consumption, nutritional timing, and knowledge about nutrition among adult football club players in the Dire Dawa City Administration Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was used, and 137 players from different football clubs were chosen by systematic random sampling according to preset inclusion criteria. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the data, and SPSS version 26.0 was used for descriptive statistical analysis. The findings of the study were served as a reference for improving sports nutrition education in the region and beyond. The results indicated that only 45% of players consumed macronutrients within the recommended range, with deficiencies observed in proteinrich foods and vegetable intake. Moreover, 60% of players exhibited moderate nutritional knowledge, while 70% reported inadequate alignment of meal timing with training and competition requirements. Statistical analysis revealed significant gaps in dietary practices and nutrition timing that could potentially impact player performance. This study highlights the critical need for improved nutritional education, access to well-balanced meals, and adherence to consistent meal timing among football players in Ethiopia. It is recommended that football clubs and policymakers collaborate to implement nutrition education programs and facilitate better meal planning and access. Further research should explore the barriers to optimal nutrition and evaluate interventions to align dietary practices with evidence-based global nutritional guidelines, tailored to Ethiopia’s context.