The Role of Health and Nutritional Awareness in Predicting Health-Related Physical Fitness among Sports Club Coaches in the Southern Region

Abstract

This study aimed to reveal the nature of the relationship between health awareness, nutrition awareness, and health-related physical fitness indicators among sports club coaches in the southern region. The researcher employed the descriptive survey method, and the sample consisted of (70) coaches. The study instruments included a health awareness questionnaire, a preventive nutrition practices questionnaire, and physical fitness tests (body mass index, body fat percentage, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility). The results showed that the level of health awareness was moderate (74.41%), with superiority in the axis of awareness of the impact of physical activity on health (81.64%) and weakness in the axis of awareness of chronic diseases of the era (69.12%). The level of nutrition awareness was also moderate (63.84%), with a notable decline in awareness of dietary supplements (56.00%). Physical fitness indicators were moderate, with overweight (BMI=26.84 kg/m²) and a moderate level of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max=38.42 ml/kg/min). Positive and statistically significant correlation relationships were found between health awareness and preventive nutrition (r=0.612), and between both and physical fitness indicators. Regression analysis revealed a predictive effect of both variables together in explaining (28.4%-34.6%) of the variance in fitness indicators. The study recommended developing coaches' knowledge, organizing educational programs within clubs, building partnerships with health institutions, developing training policies, supporting scientific research, and expanding future studies.