ÜNIVERSITELİ MÜCADELE SPORCULARINDA CİDDİ HIPOHIDRASYON, YETERSIZ BILGI, TUTUM VE DAVRANIŞ

This study investigated hydration and fluid intake knowledge, attitude and behaviour, and hydration status via urine specific gravity (USG) and urine colour (UC) in collegiate combat sports athletes. Forty-four athletes (judo, taekwondo, and kickboxing) voluntarily participated in the study. Hydration survey was applied and hydration status was measured via urine specific gravity (USG) and urine colour (UC) at the beginning of the preparation period. Sport had no significant main effect on hydration and fluid intake knowledge scores (F2-41=0.09, p=0.91). Moreover, it had no significant main effect on attitude scores (F2-41=0.83, p=0.44). Behavior sub-dimension scores did not differ among sports (F2-41=2.08, p=0.14). Moreover, athletes’ USG values showed no difference (F2-41=1.96, p=0.15) and UC (F2-41=0.07, p=0.93). A positive moderate correlation between knowledge and behavior sub-dimensions (r=0.488, p=0.001), and nearly perfect correlation between USG and UC (r=0.950, p=0.000). According to USG classification, most athletes presented hypohydration (66%), while only 34% were classified as hydrated. This study suggested that hypohydration is common and level of knowledge, attitude and behavior is low in collegiate combat sport athletes. Therefore, comprehensive educational interventions are suggested for these athletes and their coaches with proper rehydration process, individual fluid intake and monitoring hydration status.