Dietary Intake and Perceived Stress Levels Among Male and Female Football Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors : Fatma Özsel Özcan, Ayşe Yasemin Arıkbaş, Sude Mazlum

Pages : 62-69

Doi:10.51538/intjourexerpsyc.1759065

View : 76 | Download : 159

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Professional football players frequently encounter physical and psychological stressors that may influence their performance, recovery, and mental well-being. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in modulating stress responses, yet limited research has examined the interplay between dietary intake and perceived stress levels in athletes, particularly across sexes. This study aimed to assess the relationship between dietary intake and perceived stress among male and female professional football players in Türkiye, with a focus on sex-based differences in nutrient consumption and stress levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 105 licensed football players (52 males, 53 females) aged 18–30 years from three Turkish clubs. Data were collected through demographic forms, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), 24-hour dietary recall, and the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Nutritional intake was analyzed using BEBIS 8.1 software. Independent t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analyses were performed (α=0.05). Female athletes reported higher perceived stress scores compared to males; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Stress levels were significantly higher in athletes under 19 years of age (p<0.001). Significant sex-based differences were observed in nutrient intake: males consumed more protein as well as vitamins B3 and B6, while females consumed more carbohydrates (p<0.05). A weak but significant positive correlation was found between carbohydrate intake and perceived stress (r=0.243, p=0.012). Sex and age influence both stress perception and dietary patterns among football players. Although most nutrients were not directly linked to stress, elevated carbohydrate intake was modestly associated with higher stress levels. These findings highlight the importance of personalized nutritional and psychological support, especially for younger and female athletes.
Keywords : algılanan stres, besin alımı, futbol, cinsiyet farkı, sporcu sağlığı

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