Coach Candidates’ and Coaches’ Nutrition Knowledge Affects Dietary Recommendations Indirectly: Mediator Effects of Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The nutritional knowledge and behavior of athletes are considerably influenced by the dietary recommendations of their coaches, which, in turn, affect their health and performance. In the context of social cognitive theory, this study examines the impact of general and sports nutrition knowledge (GeSNK), nutrition self-efficacy (NSE), and nutrition counseling self-efficacy (NCSE) on the dietary recommendations (DRs) provided by coach candidates and coaches (CC&Cs). Additionally, it explores variations in GeSNK, NSE, and NCSE among CC&Cs based on their sports positions, genders, and types of sports. Methods: This study included 70 coach candidates and 102 coaches, with data collected via validated scales for GeSNK, NSE, and NCSE. Using the PROCESS macro, the serial multiple mediator model was applied, and group comparisons were conducted via the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: The results revealed that 36% of participants achieved adequate GeSNK scores, but only 6.4% abstained from providing DRs. Participants engaged in individual sports exhibited higher NSE and NCSE scores than those involved in team sports. Additionally, 22.7% of CC&Cs identified their former coaches as a primary source of nutrition information. The study findings revealed that GeSNK, NSE, and NCSE significantly influenced DRs, collectively accounting for 23% of the variance in DRs. The direct effect of NCSE on DRs was statistically significant, whereas the direct effects of GeSNK and NSE were not significant. GeSNK and NSE jointly explained only 41% of the variance in NCSE, suggesting that additional factors influencing NCSE and DRs remain unexplored. Conclusions: To address the issue of inadequate dietary recommendations stemming from insufficient information, it is crucial to identify and understand these additional factors affecting NCSE and DRs. Diversifying nutrition education programs to enhance the nutrition knowledge of CC&Cs is essential. Furthermore, fostering collaboration between CC&Cs and nutritionists can ensure that athletes receive accurate and comprehensive nutritional guidance. © 2025 by the authors.