Assessment of student-athlete needs in a program for the transition to life after sport

Background: Existing research with elite athletes highlights significant physical and mental health challenges faced following transition to life after sport, including increased risk of obesity, mental health disorders, and identity loss. Research is lacking in existing transition programs and what athletes would like in transition programs. Thus, this study determined the needs of student-athletes (SAs) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) related to a program aimed at supporting their transition to life after sport and whether needs differed by SA characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional study included an online survey provided to OSU’s Division I SAs (N=550) to identify desired broad program topics, delivery logistics, and resources, and nutrition-specific topics and resources. Statistical analyses included descriptives, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Chi-square, and Pearson correlations. Results: Data indicated strong preference for education on nutrition (69%), physical training (66%), and mental health (39%), with the majority favoring in-person (54%) and asynchronous (44%) virtual formats. SAs would like the program for 2-3 credit hours (14%) and food provided (11%) with a wide variety of resources for broad program and nutrition portion. Nutrition topics of interest included healthy eating basics, navigating nutrition information, meal planning, nutrition for physical activity, supplements, healthy eating while eating out, healthy weight management, healthy eating on a budget, making healthy habits stick, basic cooking, and chronic disease prevention. Conclusions: Despite a homogeneous sample, results align with existing issues in literature, underscoring need for tailored support programs. Future research should focus on diverse