Data base of Relationship between nutritional knowledge, information sources, and dietary practices of active gym users in Magangué, Colombia

Abstract

Gym users are vulnerable to nutritional misinformation. This study aimed to describe the knowledge and practice related to sports nutrition among active individuals attending gyms in Magangué and their relationship with sources of information. The Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire for Young and Adult Athletes (NUKYA) was used, alongside sociodemographic, dietary, and information source data collection. Relationships were analyzed using contingency tables and the Chi-square test (X²). A total of 87 participants aged 18 to 30 took part in the study; 51.7% exhibited poor knowledge of sports nutrition. The main sources of information were family, friends, and training partners (26.4%). Insufficient consumption of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, and water was observed, although most reported adequate consumption of legumes. A higher level of nutrition knowledge was significantly associated with greater consumption of protein foods (Pearson’s X² = 5.78, p = 0.016) and water (Pearson’s X² = 4.24, p = 0.040), as well as with lower consumption of legumes (Pearson’s X² = 3.95, p = 0.047), sports drinks, sodas, or juices during training (Pearson’s X² = 12.4, p = 0.006), and foods after training (Pearson’s X² = 8.82, p = 0.003). Additionally, the use of low-quality information sources was associated with lower consumption of fruits (Pearson’s X² = 8.35, p = 0.004), vegetables (Pearson’s X² = 4.09, p = 0.043), and water (Pearson’s X² = 4.40, p = 0.036). In conclusion, the quality of information sources influences knowledge and dietary practices, suggesting that evidence-based nutritional education is needed for this population.