| dc.description.abstract | This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of athletes in the uptake of dietary supplements at Makerere University. A descriptive study design was used to conduct inductive research. The population considered for this study included professional Ugandan athletes in Makerere University to find out their use of dietary supplements and their access to and use of nutrition services. The study applied both probability and non-probability sampling procedures in selecting the study sample. Primary data were collected through questionnaires from a sample size of 100 respondents from different sports activities at Makerere University. The study findings indicated; On the knowledge of athletes in the uptake of dietary supplements at Makerere University, the respondents had heard about dietary supplementys from a fellow athlete (29%), internet (26%), nutritionist/dietician (14%), lectures and workshops (11%). Dietary supplements were important for athletes as acknowledged by 88% of athletes. Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, or other botanicals, Amino acids, Dietary substances for diet supplementation were required by athletes. The main reasons for using dietary supplements by athletes were prevention of nutritional deficiencies, increasing performacre, increasing muscle mass/weight. On the attitude of athletes in the uptake of dietary supplements at Makerere university; uptake of dietary supplements is necessary for all ages, health personnel should promote the use of supplements, the dietary supplement is generally harmless, important for health and general well being, finally regular use of supplement prevents cancer and other chronic diseases. On the Practices of athletes in the uptake of dietary supplements at Makerere university, most respondents were Non-vegetarian as acknowledged by 89%. Most respondents were non-smokers as acknowledged by 75%. The study found that 41% of the respondents were not consuming alcohol. The majority of the respondents exercised whenever they found time as acknowledged by 35% of the respondents. From the study findings, 89 percent consumed supplements and they were consumed occasionally as acknowledged by 48% of the respondents. The study recommended that; Makerere University should engage the services of nutritionists so as prepare nutrition guidelines for endurance athletes. Nutrition Education should be incorporated into the training activities of athletes at Makerere University. Athletes should be informed on the importance of uptake of dietary supplements as far as prevention of nutritional deficiencies. | en_US |
