Effectiveness of sports nutrition education on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) scores, eating behaviours, and energy availability among athletes: A scoping review (2015-2024)
- Author:
Muhammad Qasim Raza
1
;
Ayu Suzailiana Muhamad
1
;
Marilyn Li Yin Ong
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: athletes; dietary behaviour; education; knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP); sports nutrition
- From: Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2026;32(No. 1):75-87
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
- Abstract: Introduction: Sports nutrition is critical for optimising athletes’ performance, recovery, and health. Despite its importance, significant gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among athletes often lead to suboptimal dietary habits and impaired energy balance. Sports nutrition education interventions have emerged as a promising strategy to address these deficiencies. This scoping review examined effectiveness of sports nutrition education programmes on KAP, eating behaviours, and energy availability among athletes from 2015 to 2024. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus was conducted using relevant keywords. Out of 394 studies initially screened, 12 met inclusion criteria, comprising intervention-based study designs, including randomised-controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and pre-post studies. Studies were considered eligible if they involved athletes, incorporated a nutrition education component, and assessed at least one outcome related to KAP, eating behaviour, or energy availability. Results: Most studies reported significant improvements in nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices, accompanied by positive changes in dietary behaviours. Interventions delivered via classroom instruction, digital platforms, or blended methods demonstrated varying levels of effectiveness. Key findings included increased energy availability, better dietary adherence, and favourable changes in body composition. Variations in duration of intervention programme delivery and participant characteristics led to the wide range of outcomes observed. Conclusion: Sports nutrition education can improve athletes’ nutrition knowledge and encourage healthier dietary practices. These interventions may contribute to better energy management, improved health, and enhanced sports performance, although further research is needed to evaluate their long-term effectiveness across different athlete populations.
- Full text:2026070216285345992MJN Vol 32(1) 6.mjn.2025.0133 Qasim.pdf
