Nutritional culture and its relationship to the physical activity practiced by female students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Tripoli

Abstract

Given the importance of nutritional awareness for both physically active and inactive individuals, and its significant role in enhancing physical capacity, this study was conducted to investigate the importance of nutritional culture and its relationship with physical activity among female students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Tripoli, during the academic year 2024/2025.

The study employed the descriptive survey method. A purposive sample of 40 female students was selected and divided into two groups. The first group included students from the first and second semesters, while the second group consisted of students from the third to the eighth semesters from the Departments of Teaching and Coaching. Basic anthropometric measurements, including age, height, and weight, were recorded. Physical fitness assessments were conducted to measure speed, strength, flexibility, endurance, power, and handgrip strength. Functional measurements and body composition, including Body Mass Index (BMI), were also assessed. In addition, a 24-hour dietary recall form and a questionnaire covering socioeconomic status, health status, and nutritional awareness were administered.

Overall, the study reached several important conclusions. The findings indicated that female students of the Faculty of Physical Education have insufficient nutritional awareness during participation in physical activity. The results also showed that many students do not regularly consume the main daily meals, particularly breakfast, and that the nutritional composition of their diets is not consistent with the timing and requirements of physical activity, leading to the absence of a significant relationship between physical activity levels and body composition. Furthermore, the study revealed variations in dietary components and the number of variables associated with physical activity. It also found that the two groups had similar Body Mass Index (BMI) values based on the body composition results.

The study recommends adopting a balanced diet, maintaining regular breakfast consumption, and promoting nutritional awareness among female students of the Faculty of Physical Education because of its positive effects on health and athletic performance.