Are collegiate athletes as healthy as we think they are?

Transl Behav Med. 2019 Jan 1;9(1):135-138. doi: 10.1093/tbm/iby039.

Abstract

The current study compared multiple health-risk behaviors, self-efficacy, and temptation between young adult athletes and nonathletes. Cross-sectional data were collected via a web-based survey. Participants included nonathletes and Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes attending a midwestern university. Multiple health-risk behaviors existed at a high prevalence among participating athletes and nonathletes, with a slightly higher proportion of nonathletes reporting more risk. Twenty-two percent of participating athletes were at risk for excessive screen time, whereas 36% of nonathletes were at risk for the same. A higher proportion of athletes were at risk for inadequate sleep (58%) compared with nonathletes (33%). Ninety-eight percent of nonathletes were at risk for inadequate vegetable intake, whereas 96% of athletes were at risk for the same. Risk for low fruit intake was highest among nonathletes (81%) compared with athletes (77%). Future research targeting collegiate athletes' multiple health behavior is warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Athletes*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Male
  • Self Efficacy
  • Sleep
  • Students*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Universities
  • Young Adult