Evaluation of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of the Students Studying In the Coaching Education Department Regarding the Utilization of Nutritional Ergogenic Supplement

Aim: The purpose of this study is to ascertain the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of students studying in the Coaching Education Department of the Faculty of Sport Sciences regarding the utilization of nutritional ergogenic supplements. Methods: 61.5% of the participants were male (n=264), 38.5% (n=166) were female. Data were collected by conducting an online questionnaire. 19.5 % of students reported using ergogenic nutritional supplement products. The students received an average score of 3.1 +/- 0.7 on the benefit sub-dimension of the attitude scale toward nutritional ergogenic supplement products, 2.7 +/- 0.6 on the side effects and ethical sub-dimension, and 2.9 +/- 0.7 on the natural nutrition sub-dimension. Results: A significant difference has been detected in the mean scores of students on the benefit sub-dimension depending on their gender, sports branch, and use of nutritional supplement products, on the side effects and ethical sub-dimension depending on their gender, class, and use of nutritional supplement products, and on the natural nutrition sub-dimension depending on their gender and use of nutritional supplement products (p<0.05). Conclusion: Students gave the expected answer to most of the questions regarding the use of nutritional ergogenic supplements. Observing the beneficial effect of taking the sports nutrition course on the responses, reveals the importance of education once again.