A Taste of Insight: Exploring the Perspectives of DLSU Student-Athletes on the Mediterranean Diet

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Ethan F. Alvarez, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Zoe Adda O. Beluso, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Ceris Maxine Chua, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Sarah Abigail M. Sanchez, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Maria Michaela Santos, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Olga G. Parco, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

School Name

De La Salle University-Manila-Senior High School

Track or Strand

Sports Track (SpT)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Parco, Olga, G.

Start Date

25-6-2025 1:00 PM

End Date

25-6-2025 2:30 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

https://zoom.us/j/97662707236?pwd=0HjilHa9kcSGcxykP1SqHPcIfECfSv.1 Meeting ID: 976 6270 7236 Passcode: 441153

Abstract/Executive Summary

The Mediterranean diet, its health benefits, and in the context of sports have been commonly studied within European and North African countries. However, there are limited studies that present the perceptions of student-athletes on the diet from Asian countries, particularly in the Philippines. Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), the study aimed to explore and understand the perceptions of student-athletes about their awareness, insights, or experiences on the Mediterranean diet, along with its perceived threats and benefits. Through a descriptive qualitative approach, a semi-structured interview with seven DLSU student-athletes was employed to determine the perspectives of DLSU student-athletes. Eleven sub themes emerged from the data gathered from various sport disciplines. Participants recognized the benefits of healthy eating, which include enhanced performance, and openness to the Mediterranean diet. However, widespread barriers, such as cost, availability, and unfamiliarity, limit actual adherence, thus, highlighting the need for more accessible ways to better and structured dietary practices such as the Mediterranean diets. However, cues to action, such as strong peer and coach support, and proper governmental and educational support, suggest that the Mediterranean diet could be gradually, realistically, and sustainably integrated into student-athletes’ dietary practices. Ultimately, the Mediterranean should be contextually relevant and progressive in the Philippines. It should provide practical and accessible ways for Filipinos and taking small and gradual implementations would be the first step to making it inclusive and progressive.

Keywords

health belief model; Mediterranean diet; perspectives; self-efficacy; student-athlete

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Food, Nutrition, and Health (FNH)

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes