(P04-009-23) Impact of a PharmD, MSCN Guided Educational Intervention on Knowledge of Nutrition & Dietary Supplement Use in Baseball and Softball Athletes at an NCAA Division II Program

Objectives: There have been few studies assessing the nutrition and dietary supplement knowledge in baseball and softball student athletes. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of two 45-minute education sessions conducted by a pharmacist/clinical nutrition specialist on sports nutrition and dietary supplement knowledge of NCAA Division II athletes without previous access to a faculty sports dietitian.

Methods: NCAA Division II baseball/softball players having no access to dietitian counseling were recruited. Baseline assessment of nutrition and supplement knowledge was obtained using 2 validated surveys. Participants were randomized to either control or intervention groups. Intervention consisted of two 45-min educational sessions administered virtually by a sports-nutrition-trained pharmacist, while controls received no educational follow up. After the conclusion of the post-intervention survey, a two-way repeated measures mixed ANOVA was performed.

Results: 41 athletes (n=25 baseball, n=16 softball) completed the study. Baseline nutrition knowledge scores were 48.4±2.31% and 53.4±3.20% (p=0.017) for controls and interventions, respectively. Post-protocol, controls had a mean nutrition knowledge score of 56.2±1.67%; the intervention group 68±1.82%. A statistically significant two-way interaction was observed between treatment and time (p = 0.043) with only the intervention group improving scores significantly by END (p < 0.01). Neither dietary supplement knowledge (p = 0.25) nor nutritional understanding (p = 0.49) showed a significant interaction. Survey descriptive data showed dietary supplement use for 68% of participants, with 34% using more than one supplement. The most commonly utilized source for nutrition information was the athletic trainer (29%). The main source of dietary supplement information remained undisclosed (n/a, 54%), followed by the internet (20%).

Conclusions: A 2-session virtual education intervention was effective in improving nutrition knowledge scores among NCAA Division II athletes. Athletic trainers are a key source in informing student athletes about nutrition. Future studies should aim to implement best practices for gathering dietary supplement information on safety and efficacy.

Funding Sources: Judy Waller Travel Award