Development of a plant-based culinary nutrition model for sports science students

Introduction: Food and fitness levels are key factors required to maintain functional life. Hence, nutrition education is crucial in spreading awareness among Sports Science students. There is a paucity of plant-based nutrition knowledge and plantbased culinary skills for fitness locally. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a valid Plant-Based Culinary Nutrition Model (PBCNM) with nutrition knowledge and basic culinary skills to improve fitness among Sports Science students. Methods: This exploratory sequential mixed method study consisted of 2 phases. In Phase 1, a three-round modified Delphi method was conducted with 13 experts to generate a questionnaire that was validated. Lawshe worksheet determined the content validity ratio (CVR) for an item. Content validity index (CVI) for each section and the overall instrument was calculated. In Phase 2, quantitative data collection and analysis addressed the research questions and research gaps leading to model development. A total of 271 undergraduate Sports Science students at higher learning institutions were recruited as respondents. Results: In Phase 1, CVR of the overall survey was 1.0 and CVI was 0.834. Subsequently, the questionnaire was pilot tested for reliability and a Cronbach’s alpha score of 0.836 was obtained for the overall questionnaire. In Phase 2, the respondents’ mean and standard deviation score for the model’s components and needs was 4.21±0.73 for items 1-15. The integration of experts’ perspectives on the need of PBCNM for fitness and feedback from respondents resulted in the development of PBCNM. Conclusion: This study highlighted PBCNM as a helpful guideline for better fitness management.