DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings
Document Type
Paper Presentation
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Parco, Olga G.
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 Filipino student-athletes about their awareness, insights, or experiences on the Mediterranean diet, along with its perceived threats and benefits. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach utilizing a semi-structured interview. The participants in this study consisted of 7 DLSU student-athletes across four different sports. The interview duration averaged around 25 to 40 minutes. The data were analyzed using Thematic Analysis, and the findings are organized into five themes: (1) Perceived susceptibility and severity; (2) Perceived benefits; (3) Perceived barriers; (4) Cues to action; and (5) Self-efficacy. Ultimately, this study concludes that Filipino student-athletes presented openness to the Mediterranean diet and recognized the benefits of healthy eating, which include enhanced performance. However, widespread barriers, such as cost, availability, and unfamiliarity, limit actual adherence, thus highlighting the need for more accessible ways to better structure dietary practices such as the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet should be contextually relevant and progressive in the Philippines to provide practical and accessible ways for Filipinos.
Keywords
health belief model; Mediterranean diet; perspective; self-efficacy; student-athlete