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Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
Published in: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Development and validation of a brief general and sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire and assessment of athletes’ nutrition knowledge

Authors: Gina Louise Trakman, Adrienne Forsyth, Russell Hoye, Regina Belski

Published in: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

The Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (NSKQ) is an 89-item, valid and reliable measure of sports nutrition knowledge (SNK). It takes 25 min to complete and has been subject to low completion and response rates. The aim of this study was to develop an abridged version of the NSKQ (A-NSKQ) and compare response rates, completion rates and NK scores of the NSKQ and A-NSKQ.

Methods

Rasch analysis was used for the questionnaire validation. The sample (n = 181) was the same sample that was used in the validation of the full-length NSKQ. Construct validity was assessed using the known-group comparisons method. Temporal stability was assessed using the test-retest reliability method. NK assessment was cross-sectional; responses were collected electronically from members of one non-elite Australian football (AF) and netball club, using Qualtrics Software (Qualtrics, Provo, UT).

Results

Validation - The A-NSKQ has 37 items that assess general (n = 17) and sports (n = 20) nutrition knowledge (NK). Both sections are unidimensional (Perc5% = 2.84% [general] and 3.41% [sport]). Both sections fit the Rasch Model (overall-interaction statistic mean (SD) = − 0.15 ± 0.96 [general] and 0.22 ± 1.11 [sport]; overall-person interaction statistic mean (SD) = − 0.11 ± 0.61 [general] and 0.08 ± 0.73 [sport]; Chi-Square probability = 0.308 [general] and 0.283 [sport]). Test-retest reliability was confirmed (r = 0.8, P < 0.001 [general] and r = 0.7, P < 0.001 [sport]). Construct validity was demonstrated (nutrition students = 77% versus non-nutrition students = 60%, P < 0.001 [general] and nutrition students = 60% versus non-nutrition students = 40%, P < 0.001 [sport]. Assessment of NK - 177 usable survey responses from were returned. Response rates were low (7%) but completion rates were high (85%). NK scores on the A-NSKQ (46%) are comparable to results obtained in similar cohorts on the NSKQ (49%). The A-NSKQ took on average 12 min to complete, which is around half the time taken to complete the NSKQ (25 min).

Conclusions

The A-NSKQ is a valid and reliable, brief questionnaire designed to assess general NK (GNK) and SNK.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Footnotes
1
Trakman GL, Forsyth A, Middleton K, Jenner S, Keenan A, Hoye R, Belski R. Australian football athletes lack awarenss of current sports nutrition guidelines. Int J Nutr Exerc Metab. 2017; Awaiting DOI.
 
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Metadata
Title
Development and validation of a brief general and sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire and assessment of athletes’ nutrition knowledge
Authors
Gina Louise Trakman
Adrienne Forsyth
Russell Hoye
Regina Belski
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0223-1

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