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Abstract

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.

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