The Nutritional Knowledge, The Nutritional Knowledge, Attitude & Practice of Attitude & Practice of Gymnasium (Gym) Attendees Gymnasium (Gym) Attendees in the Town of Savanna-la-marin the Town of Savanna-la-mar

Presenter: Cherine UsherwoodPresenter: Cherine Usherwood Dietetic/Nutrition InternDietetic/Nutrition Intern

IntroductionIntroduction Healthy eating is complementary to Healthy eating is complementary to

physical activity in maintaining a lean physical activity in maintaining a lean weight, fitness, strength and good health weight, fitness, strength and good health

Researchers estimate that poor diets Researchers estimate that poor diets account for over 300,000 deaths a year account for over 300,000 deaths a year and that about 35 percent of cancer and that about 35 percent of cancer deaths are attributable to poor diet in the deaths are attributable to poor diet in the U.S. (Blaylock, Smallwood, and Variyam U.S. (Blaylock, Smallwood, and Variyam 1996)1996)

Research QuestionResearch Question How do persons who attend gyms view How do persons who attend gyms view

the importance of nutrition in achieving the importance of nutrition in achieving their objectives?their objectives?

HypothesisHypothesis Persons who attend gymnasiums have Persons who attend gymnasiums have

little knowledge of good nutrition and little knowledge of good nutrition and usually use fad diets to help effect weight usually use fad diets to help effect weight loss.loss.

AimAim

To determine if persons who attend gyms To determine if persons who attend gyms have knowledge of healthy eating and put have knowledge of healthy eating and put this knowledge into practice to achieve this knowledge into practice to achieve their objectives.their objectives.

ObjectivesObjectives

1.1. To determine the nutrition knowledge of gym To determine the nutrition knowledge of gym attendees attendees

2.2. To determine their source of nutrition To determine their source of nutrition informationinformation

3.3. To determine the nutritional practices of gym To determine the nutritional practices of gym attendees in trying to achieve their objectivesattendees in trying to achieve their objectives

4.4. To ascertain how gym attendees perceive the To ascertain how gym attendees perceive the importance of nutrition.importance of nutrition.

MethodologyMethodology

Study Design:Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study where This is a cross-sectional study where

exposure and outcome variables were exposure and outcome variables were collected simultaneously. collected simultaneously.

Exposure variables – attitude and practice, Exposure variables – attitude and practice, Outcome variable – nutrition knowledge Outcome variable – nutrition knowledge

Methodology (Cont’d)Methodology (Cont’d)

A pre constructed, pre coded self A pre constructed, pre coded self administered questionnaire consisting of administered questionnaire consisting of thirty (30) questions that has been thirty (30) questions that has been modified from the Healthy Lifestyle Survey modified from the Healthy Lifestyle Survey Questionnaire conducted in the Western Questionnaire conducted in the Western Region was used to collect data.Region was used to collect data.

Methodology (Cont’d)Methodology (Cont’d)

Some questionnaires were self reported Some questionnaires were self reported while some were administered by the while some were administered by the researcher.researcher.

Research PopulationResearch Population A proposed convenience sample A proposed convenience sample

consisting of at least 90% of members consisting of at least 90% of members attending the gyms during the time of the attending the gyms during the time of the research was used.research was used.

The three (3) gyms in Savannala-mar The three (3) gyms in Savannala-mar were used namely, Westmoreland Fitness were used namely, Westmoreland Fitness Centre, Unique Fitness Studio and Unique Centre, Unique Fitness Studio and Unique Fitness Centre.Fitness Centre.

ExclusionExclusion

Individuals under 18 yearsIndividuals under 18 years Individuals from gyms operated by medical Individuals from gyms operated by medical

centrescentres Non-members of gyms (visitors).Non-members of gyms (visitors). Individuals attending gyms that have a Individuals attending gyms that have a

nutrition programmenutrition programme

Data Analysis and ReportingData Analysis and Reporting The data was collected and analyzed by The data was collected and analyzed by

the researcherthe researcher

SPSS 11.5 (Statistical Programme for SPSS 11.5 (Statistical Programme for Social Scientists 11.5) Software along with Social Scientists 11.5) Software along with Microsoft excel were used to analyze data.Microsoft excel were used to analyze data.

LimitationsLimitations

Gym members who infrequently attendGym members who infrequently attend Reluctance of some gym members to Reluctance of some gym members to

participateparticipate Limited time available for gym members to Limited time available for gym members to

answer questionnaireanswer questionnaire Lengthy questionnaireLengthy questionnaire Time allotted for the studyTime allotted for the study

RESULTSRESULTS

DemographyDemography

Gender

No. of Persons Percent

Male 11 33

Female 22 67

Total 33 100

Age GroupAge Group

Age GroupAge Group FrequencyFrequency PercentPercent18 - 2418 - 24

44 12.112.1

25 - 3025 - 30 11 3.03.0 31 - 3731 - 37 1010 30.330.3 38 - 4438 - 44 88 24.224.2 45 - 5145 - 51 22 6.16.1 > 52> 52 66 18.218.2 missingmissing 22 6.16.1

TotalTotal 3333 100.0100.0

Name of GymsName of GymsName of Gyms Attended by Respondents

52.00%39%

9%

WHFC UFC UFS

Reasons for Joining the GymReasons for Joining the GymReason for Joining Gym Sum Percent

Lose weight 6 18.2

Stay healthy 6 18.2

Keep fit 6 18.2

Love to exercise 2 6.1

Stay healthy & keep fit 4 12.1

Lose weight, stay healthy, keep fit 4 12.1

Lose wt, stay healthy, keep fit, manage illness 1 3.0

Keep fit, love to exercise 1 3.0

Lose wt, keep fit 1 3.0

Stay healthy, keep fit, love to exercise 1 3.0

Stay healthy, manage illness 1 3.0

Total 33 100.0

Type of DietType of Diet

Type of DietType of DietNo. of No. of PersonsPersons PercentPercent

No special dietNo special diet 2424 7373

Low fatLow fat 22 66

Weight lossWeight loss 11 33

High proteinHigh protein 11 33

Low carb, low cholesterolLow carb, low cholesterol 11 33

HerbalifeHerbalife 11 33

All fruits, vegetarian, low carb, low chol,All fruits, vegetarian, low carb, low chol,high proteinhigh protein 11 33

Vegetarian, low cholesterolVegetarian, low cholesterol 11 33

MissingMissing 11 33

TotalTotal 3333 100100

Who Placed Respondents on DietWho Placed Respondents on Diet

Chart showing who placed respondents on special diets

13%

87%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Gym instructor Self

What is the most effective way to What is the most effective way to lose weight?lose weight?

ResponsesResponses No. of PersonsNo. of Persons PercentagePercentage

Eating only fruits & vegetablesEating only fruits & vegetables 22 66

High protein dietHigh protein diet 22 66

Eating smaller balanced mealsEating smaller balanced meals 1313 3939

Diet & exerciseDiet & exercise 2424 7373

Avoiding high carbohydrate foodsAvoiding high carbohydrate foods 33 99

Starvation dietStarvation diet 00 00

Exercise onlyExercise only 88 2424

Foods That Cause Weight GainFoods That Cause Weight Gain

Options Options No. of No. of PersonsPersons PercentagePercentage

Fruits & Vegetables Fruits & Vegetables 11 33

Fats & oils Fats & oils 2222 6767

Staple foodsStaple foods 33 99

Peas & beansPeas & beans 00 00

SweetsSweets 1313 3939

Foods from animals Foods from animals 55 1515

All foods All foods 44 1212

““Do you know about Food Groups Do you know about Food Groups & Nutrients?”& Nutrients?”

24%

73%

3%

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

%

Yes No Missing

Do you know about the food groups?

64%

33%

3%

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

%

Yes No Missing

Do you know about nutrients

Name Food GroupsName Food Groups

Food Group ResponsesFood Group Responses Amt of PersonsAmt of Persons PercentPercent Ackee & saltfish, curry chicken &Ackee & saltfish, curry chicken &

rice, rice & peasrice, rice & peas 11 33

Dark green & leafy veg, fruits,Dark green & leafy veg, fruits,peas & beans, FFApeas & beans, FFA 11 33

Fats & oil, grean leafy veg, FFA,Fats & oil, grean leafy veg, FFA,starch starch 11 33

Fruits & vegetables, staples, milkFruits & vegetables, staples, milk 22 66

Poultry, fruits, vegetables,Poultry, fruits, vegetables,legumes staples, fats & oils, meats legumes staples, fats & oils, meats 11 33

Starch/sugar, fruit & vegetable,Starch/sugar, fruit & vegetable,protein, waterprotein, water 11 33

How Do You Get Nutrients?How Do You Get Nutrients?

How do you get How do you get

nutrientsnutrientsNo. of No. of PersonsPersons PercentPercent

From taking pillsFrom taking pills 55 1515

From doing exercisesFrom doing exercises 22 66

From the foods you eatFrom the foods you eat 2828 8585

From eating fruits & vegetablesFrom eating fruits & vegetables 44 1212

How Much Pounds is Safe to Lose How Much Pounds is Safe to Lose in 1 Week?in 1 Week?

Chart Showing Responses to "How Much pounds is Safe to Lose in 1 Week"

64%

15%

3%

3%

6%

9%

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

1

%

Missing

Don’t know

1 - 2 & 3 - 4 lbs

5 - 6 lbs

3 - 4 lbs

1 - 2 lbs

Persons Who Did/Did not Receive Persons Who Did/Did not Receive Dietary Counselling/InformationDietary Counselling/Information

12%

88%

0102030405060708090

%

Yes No

Chart Showing Responses to Persons who did/did not Receive Dietary Counselling/Education

Persons who Received Nutrition Persons who Received Nutrition CounsellingCounselling

Diet Counsellor/EducatorDiet Counsellor/EducatorAmt of Amt of PersonsPersons PercentPercent

DoctorDoctor22 66

Gym instructorGym instructor 11 33

LecturerLecturer 11 33

Source of Nutrition InformationSource of Nutrition Information

Nutrition Information SourceNutrition Information SourceAmount of Amount of

personspersons PercentPercentThe internetThe internet 11 33

Reading booksReading books 99 2727

Radio & tvRadio & tv 11 33

Never received nutrition informationNever received nutrition information 33 99

Reading books, radio & tvReading books, radio & tv 55 1515

Internet, reading books, radio & tvInternet, reading books, radio & tv 55 1515

Reading books, radio & tv, doctorReading books, radio & tv, doctor 11 33

Reading books, radio& tv, high schoolReading books, radio& tv, high school 11 33

SchoolSchool 22 66

MissingMissing 55 1515

TotalTotal 3333 100100

Nutrition PracticeNutrition Practice

Spoons sugar added to hot Spoons sugar added to hot

drinkdrinkAmt of Amt of PersonsPersons PercentPercent

1-2 tsp1-2 tsp 2424 7373

1-2 tbsp1-2 tbsp 22 66

Don’t use sugar in hot drinkDon’t use sugar in hot drink 66 1818

Other Other 11 33

TotalTotal 3333 100100

Method used to prepare meatsMethod used to prepare meats How is meat preparedHow is meat prepared Amt of PersonsAmt of Persons PercentPercentFry Fry 22 66

Stew Stew 1010 3030

Steam Steam 66 1818

Bake Bake 77 2121

Roast Roast 11 33

Don’t eat meatDon’t eat meat 11 33

Stew & steamStew & steam 33 99

Stew, bake, roastStew, bake, roast 11 33

Stir fryStir fry 11 33

Stew, steam, bake, roastStew, steam, bake, roast 11 33

TotalTotal 3333 100100

Amt of Visible Fat RemovedAmt of Visible Fat RemovedAmount of visible fat removed from meats before eating

58%29%

3%3%

6%

Remove all Remove most Do not remove fat Do not eat meat Not sure

Eating From the Caribbean Food Eating From the Caribbean Food GroupsGroups

Food GroupFood Group YesYes NoNo

Amt ofAmt ofPersonsPersons

PercentPercent Amt ofAmt ofPersonsPersons

PercentPercent

Staples Staples 3232 9797 11 33

Legumes Legumes 3131 9494 11 33

Food From AnimalsFood From Animals 3030 9191 22 66

FruitsFruits 3232 9797 00 00

VegetablesVegetables 3131 9494 11 33

Feelings About NutritionFeelings About Nutrition

Nutrition is not important for wt Nutrition is not important for wt loss/good healthloss/good health

Amt of Amt of PersonsPersons PercentPercent

Strongly agree Strongly agree 44 12.112.1

NeutralNeutral 22 6.16.1

DisagreeDisagree 1212 36.436.4

Strongly disagreeStrongly disagree 1212 36.436.4

MissingMissing 33 9.19.1

TotalTotal 3333 100.0100.0

Need for Nutrition GuidanceNeed for Nutrition Guidance

12%

3%

46%

27%

12%

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%

agree stronglyagree

disagree stronglydisagree

missing

I do not need nutrition guidance to lose weight

"It's important I get nutrition information from a reputable source"

49%

33%

18%

agree strongly agree missing

"As long as i exercise i do not need to eat properly"

33%

61%

6%

disagree strongly disagree missing

ConclusionsConclusions

Gym attendees have limited knowledge Gym attendees have limited knowledge about nutrition (73% unable to identify about nutrition (73% unable to identify food groups)food groups)

Gym attendees get their nutrition Gym attendees get their nutrition information from the internet, reading information from the internet, reading books, radio and television, books, radio and television, school/college, doctor, and gym school/college, doctor, and gym instructors.instructors.

ConclusionsConclusions

Despite having limited nutrition knowledge, Despite having limited nutrition knowledge, gym attendees generally try to use good gym attendees generally try to use good dietary practices in an effort to meet their dietary practices in an effort to meet their objectivesobjectives

Gym attendees generally view nutrition as Gym attendees generally view nutrition as an important aspect in meeting their an important aspect in meeting their objectives.objectives.

Conclusions Conclusions

The hypothesis that gym attendees have The hypothesis that gym attendees have little knowledge of nutrition is in fact true, little knowledge of nutrition is in fact true, however they do not use fad diets to help however they do not use fad diets to help effect weight loss as 73% were not on any effect weight loss as 73% were not on any special diet special diet

RecommendationsRecommendations

Health Department and gym operators Health Department and gym operators develop working relationshipdevelop working relationship

Nutrition professionals avail services for Nutrition professionals avail services for individualised counselling session for gym individualised counselling session for gym attendees at a reasonable costattendees at a reasonable cost

Each gym set up nutrition corner with Each gym set up nutrition corner with displays of the food groups, BMI chart etc..displays of the food groups, BMI chart etc..

Recommendations Recommendations

Establish registration forms to include Establish registration forms to include demographic data, medical history and demographic data, medical history and objective for joining the gym.objective for joining the gym.

Gym instructors should make medical Gym instructors should make medical check-up prior to joining the gym check-up prior to joining the gym mandatory.mandatory.

Gyms should have working scales with Gyms should have working scales with stadiometers so BMI can be assessedstadiometers so BMI can be assessed

Recommendations Recommendations

Total anthropometric data should be Total anthropometric data should be collected on registration and monitoredcollected on registration and monitored

Scales should be continuously calibratedScales should be continuously calibrated

Questions?Questions?