HYDRATION KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES AMONG UNIVERSITY ATHLETES AND RECREATIONAL SPORTS PLAYERS IN THE KLANG VALLEY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/mjssr.v22i1.9166Keywords:
Hydration Knowledge, Attitudes towards Hydration, Hydration Practices, University Athletes, Recreational Sports PlayersAbstract
Hydration plays an important role in athletic performance and in prevention of heat stroke and injuries. Lack of hydration knowledge may lead to dehydration that can impair performance and health. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the associations between hydration knowledge, attitudes towards hydration, and hydration practices among university athletes and recreational sports players in the Klang Valley. A total of 193 university students aged 18-24 years old participated in the study, with 79 of them being university athletes and 114 were recreational sports players (engaged in sports at least 4 hours per week). Anthropometric measurements were conducted. Body fat percentage and muscle mass were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) machine. Physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Hydration knowledge, attitudes and practices were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. Majority of the participants were male (84.5%) and the most common type of sports played was basketball (42%). The mean physical activity level was 10,990.54±3,987.05 MET-mins/week. The mean body fat percentage and muscle mass was 19.64±5.83% and 30.62±4.31 kg, respectively. Only 33.7% of the participants had sufficient knowledge on hydration. Hydration knowledge (r=0.730, p<0.001) and attitudes towards hydration (r=0.688, p<0.001) were positively associated with hydration practices. Sex (B=1.046, p<0.001), age (B=0.190, p=0.003), muscle mass (B=0.136, p<0.001), body fat percentage (B=-0.890, p<0.001), hydration knowledge (B=0.060, p<0.001), and attitudes towards hydration (B=0.051, p=0.024), were significant predictors of hydration practices. Thus, providing knowledge on hydration and inculcating positive attitudes towards hydration may improve hydration practices among university athletes and recreational sports players.
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