Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate the dietary attitude and hematological status of the middle school football players in Busan. The survey was conducted from September 15 to October 15, 2006 by questionnaires and data analyzed by the SPSS program. The results are summarized as follows: The weights and body mass indices of the football players were significantly lower than those of the control. Dietary attitude scores showed no significant differences between the groups. Nutrition knowledge scores of the football players were lower than those of the control. Both football players and the control preferred the sweet taste rather than others. The football players preferred the hot taste, meats, and fish rather than the control did. Serum triglyceride level of the football players was significantly lower than that of the control. Blood iron level was significantly lower in the football players than in the control. Blood urea nitrogen concentration was higher in the football players than in the control. Therefore proper nutritional education programs are required for middle school football players to improve their nutritional status and physical strength.

• Keywords: football players; dietary behavior; nutrients intake; food preference; hematological status