Abstract
Introduction
The use of Nutritional Supplements (NS) by adolescents seem to be an escalating problem in South Africa. The role of parents seem to be questionable as children are allowed to use NS. Despite information websites by organisations like South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport and information sessions arranged by schools, parents do not seem to realise the health risks. For the purpose of this study, NS refer to any supplementary product ingested to boost the nutritional content of a normal diet to either fill a presumed need or deficiency. This could include any sports- or energy drinks, tablets, powders or injections that an athlete utilises as energy- or performance enhancement supplements. It includes any pharmacological or nutritional aids in the hope of improving performance.
Objectives
In view of the lack of literature investigating the role of parents in the use of NS by their children in South Africa and internationally, the objective of the study was to determine the attitudes and level of knowledge of parents of children on the East Rand towards NS usage.
Methods
The design of the study was cross-sectional and used a previously validated self-administered questionnaire for participants, as well as an interview with a focus group consisting of coaches and administrative staff representing each sport code selected for the purpose of this study. A sample of 198 participants was obtained from parents of high school athletes, all involved in open teams in selected sports codes. Participants were invited to participate voluntarily and anonymously in completing the questionnaires. The sample of nine participants in the focus group was obtained from coaches and administrative staff involved in selected open teams from the same high schools. The data was analysed using largely descriptive statistics...
M.Phil. (Sports Science)