An assessment of nutritional knowledge, attitudes, dietary behaviors, and dietary intake in female college dance major

The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the nutritional knowledge, attitudes, dietary behaviors, and dietary intake of female college dance majors ages 18 to 22. This study was conducted at a major university in New York. Subjects completed a nutrition knowledge questionnaire, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and a multi-pass 24-hour food recall. The 24-hour food recalls were analyzed using the diet analysis software Food Processor, version 10.15.41. Each participant's diet was compared to her individual energy and nutrient requirements recommended by the SCAN DPG to determine if she met her estimated needs. Of 28 subjects, 0% possessed adequate nutritional knowledge (score ≥ 70%), 21.4% were found to be at risk for an eating disorder due to negative nutrition attitudes, and 39.3% reported eating disorder behaviors in the last 6 months. The majority of dancers met 75% of their DRIs for carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Energy, iron, and calcium intakes were inadequate. The nutritional knowledge deficit, poor nutrition attitudes, eating disorder behaviors, and energy and nutrient deficiencies measured in this study put this population at risk for injuries, low athletic performance ability, and decreased career longevity. These results suggest the need for nutrition education for female college dance majors. The importance of proper nutrition for this population should be considered when developing the curriculum for college dance programs.;Keywords: Female dancers, nutritional knowledge, female athletes, disordered eating habits.