Evaluating The Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge And Dietary Guideline Adherence In ROTC Cadets

There is limited research on the nutrition knowledge of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets compared to their adherence to recommended dietary guidelines. PURPOSE: We assessed the nutrition knowledge of ROTC cadets and examined its association with dietary intake. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 206 ROTC cadets regarding sports performance and nutrition supplementation knowledge via the validated paper-based questionnaire, Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire for Athletes (NKQA), and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants [shortened version] (REAP-S). The questionnaire data were analyzed with a Chi-Square test for overall response in the NKQA and REAP-S. The correct responses (as percentages) for the overall NKQA and its subsections are reported as means and standard deviations. RESULTS: Cadets averaged 33.9±17.1% overall correct responses on the NKQA, wherein means for several demographic subsections, with the highest category listed first and lowest listed second, were as follows: 21 years of age = 50.08+13.83%, 20 years of age = 31.08+14.75%, women = 33.81+15.99%, men = 38.27+13.69%, Hispanic/Latino = 39.05+13.99%, and Middle Eastern = 27.75+36.84%. We did not find statistical significance in any demographic category except age for the NKQA and REAP-S responses (n = 184, p < 0.001). There was a difference between age groups and adherence to dietary guidelines, as measured by the REAP-S Questionnaire. (n=184, pCONCLUSION: ROTC cadets exhibited limited nutrition knowledge, though those 20 years of age adhered more closely to dietary guidelines. A positive association between knowledge and dietary adherence highlights the need for educational strategies to enhance nutrition knowledge, particularly in the context of sports nutrition. This was an unfunded project.