P133 The Influence of Social Support on Self-Efficacy in Eating Habits Among High School Athletes

• Published in: Journal of nutrition education and behavior 2019-07, Vol.51 (7), p.S92-S92
• Main Authors: Sato, Ai, Sakuma, Haruo, Shudo, Yuka, Ebi, Kumiko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1499-4046; 1878-2620
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2019.05.509

Previous studies have suggested that self-efficacy and social support are factors that influence dietary behavior in adults. However, the relationship between these two factors among high school athletes has not been adequately explored. This study aims to determine which factor of social support (five-factors structure) is strongly associated with self-efficacy in eating habits among high school athletes. The acquired data in this cross-sectional study were analyzed. The subjects were 109 high school athletes. The data for this study were gathered through questionnaire (that included demographic characteristics, questions regarding nutrition education, self-efficacy and social support in eating habits of athletes). Validated self-efficacy scale and social support scale were used in this study. This social support scale includes the five-factors of “Informational Support of General Nutrition,” “Informational Support for Athletes,” “Tangible Support,” “Appraisal Support by Praise,” and “Appraisal Support by Advice.” A multiple regression was utilized to determine which factor of social support is strongly associated with self-efficacy. Mann-Whitney U test was utilized to examine the relationship between social support and nutrition education. The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that the most important predictive factors in the students' self-efficacy was “Informational Support of General Nutrition” (β = 0.378, P < .01). The group that have gotten nutrition education before showed significantly higher score of social support (P < .01). The results of this study showed that “Informational Support of General Nutrition” is strongly associated with self-efficacy in eating habits. Further research is needed about longitudinal study of correlation between the social support and the self-efficacy. However, the finding can be used to develop effective nutrition education program to increase self-efficacy in eating habits among high school athletes. None.