Major Assignment Part 3

Transcription

1 Rowan University Major Assignment Part 3 Results & Data Analysis Joshua Moore Consumer Health Decisions - HLTH Dr. Sharon Konowitz April 18, 2016

2 Results Study Sample The study sample consists of 12 subjects (5 male and 7 female). The survey was administered in person after the subjects were prescreened for the qualifying inclusion demographics of age (18-25) and being an athlete. Analysis of the Data The data gathered in this studied was analyzed with quantitative measures. The researchers used descriptive statistics (median, mode, standard deviation, and frequency) to accurately calculate variables associated with athlete supplement use. The data is used to draw inferences about what influences supplement use; degree of use; and purpose for use. The variables also help to measure the difference/similarities between males and females. Results are displayed in 2 tables, 1 chart, and 1 graph. Table 1 analyzes the subjects, prevalence of use, and frequency of use. Table 2 analyzes the influences of supplement use. Chart 1 compares supplements used the most. Graph 1 measures the purposes of use. Quantitative Analysis Coding System The questionnaire begins with 3 quantitative variables, two of which are dichotomous. Question 1 asks for gender male/female, and question 3 asks yes/no pertaining to the use of supplements in the last 6 months. For gender male=1 and female=2. For Supplement use no=0 and yes=1. This data along with age (question 3), the number of supplements used (question 4), and the frequency of use (question 4) are displayed in Table 1 using descriptive statistics of mean, median, mode, and standard deviation. Question 4 asks subjects to nominally list supplements they use, their purpose for use, and how often they use them. The list of supplements used was analyzed using a pie chart (Chart 1) and a bar graph (Graph 1) was used to display purpose of use. A Likert scale was used for question number 5 which asked subjects how much they agreed or disagreed with a series of 7 statements. This ordinal data is represented as an interval level data by using the following numbers: Strongly Disagree = 1; Somewhat Disagree = 2; Neither Agree nor Disagree = 3; Somewhat Agree = 4; and Strongly Agree = 5. Descriptive statistics of mean, median, mode, and standard deviation were used to analyze responses in Table 2.

3 Descriptive Statistics Table 1 Subject Mean Mode Med. SD Age , Gender Sup. Used # of Sup Used Avg. Freq. Of Use (day/wk) Table 2 Mean Median Mode SD Statement Statement Statement Statement Statement Statement Statement Questions From the Survey I take supplements Statement 1: because my coach recommends I take supplements, including sports drinks, protein bars, and protein shakes. Statement 2: because my athletic trainer recommends I take supplements, including sports drinks, protein bars, and protein shakes. Statement 3: for performance purposes. (e.g. stronger, faster, have more energy) Statement 4: to maintain my overall health. Statement 5: because other athletes I compete with take them. Statement 6: because professional athletes take supplements so I do as well. Statement 7: to speed up recovery from an injury, training session, or game. Statement Responses and Numeric Strongly Disagree 1 Somewhat Disagree 2 Neither Agree nor Disagree 3 Somewhat Agree 4 Strongly Agree 5

4 Post Jym; 1; 2% Fish Oil; 2; 5% Beta- Alanine ; 1; 2% BCAA; 1; 2% Supplements Used (Chart 1) Vitamin C; 1; Creatine ; 2% 1; 2% Protein Shake Gatorade Preworkout Protein Bars; 4; 10% Caffeinated products; 4; 10% Protein Shake; 11; 26% Gatorade; 7; 17% Multivitamin Caffeinated products Protein Bars Fish Oil Post Jym Multivitamin ; 4; 10% Preworkout; 5; 12% BCAA Beta- Alanine Creatine Vitamin C Supplement Purpose for Use (Graph 1) Recovery Hydration Energy/Stamina Muscle Growth Overal Health Dietary Needs Muscle Strength

5 Conclusion The purpose of this study was to analyze and quantify the influences of supplement use, degree of use, and purpose for use among young athletes ages The survey also enables the researchers to compare variables between gender and age. All subjects stated that they currently use supplements or have used them in the past 6 months. The average number of supplements used was 3 and the average frequency of use was 3 days per week. Males had a higher average of use (3.4) compared to females (2.7), and they also had a higher average frequency of use (males=4.4 days/wk and females=3.6 days/wk). Although sports could have played a role with these variables, the researchers conclude that male athletes use more supplements more often. The highest influences of use were for faster recovery, performance, and overall health. Performance (stronger, faster, more energy) had the smallest standard deviation (SD=.62) out of the 7 statements, but the small sample size does not make this significant. However, it is conclusive that young athletes take supplements for personal benefit over outside influences and recommendations such as emulating professional athletes, or listening to coaches/trainers. Supplements used the most by the subjects were protein powder (11), Gatorade (7), and pre-workout (5). The primary purpose for their use was recovery (8), hydration (7), and energy (6) respectively. These three purposes of use were also the most prevalent amongst the subjects. These results conclude that supplement use is driven mostly by performance purposes in this population. In addition, professional recommendations (dietician/athletic trainer) are not readily consulted before supplement use.