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Description
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting athletic performance, recovery, and long-term health. However, undergraduate sports persons in developing countries often experience difficulties in maintaining healthy dietary habits due to low-resource conditions. This study investigated the dietary habits and food choice factors influencing undergraduate sports persons at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka using the Athlete Food Choice Framework (AFCQ). A quantitative research approach was adopted, and primary data were collected from 255 undergraduate sports persons using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, dietary patterns, food choice determinants, and challenges related to food affordability and availability. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) through descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that dietary patterns were not nutritionally balanced, with frequent consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods and moderate intake of protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Affordability and food availability emerged as key factors influencing food choices. Regression analysis indicated that food choice factors, particularly body weight management considerations, had a significant positive influence on protein food consumption. These findings highlight the need for affordable nutritious food options, improved nutrition education, and institutional support to promote healthier dietary practices among university athletes in low-resource settings.
