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Item Dietary intake and nutrition knowledge of physically active adolescents : a project completed as partial fulfilment for the requirements of a Master of Science in Nutritional Science, Massey University(Massey University, 2006) Cairncross, CarolynAdditional nutrient demands are encountered during adolescence, the major period of growth during the human life cycle. In order that these demands are met and healthy eating habits established to lead into adulthood, it is vital to be able to accurately assess current dietary intake and nutrition knowledge levels of this population. There are very few studies that have assessed the dietary intake and level of nutrition knowledge of active adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the nutrition knowledge level, and dietary intake, of the subjects. A new nutrition knowledge questionnaire was developed and validated for this purpose. Dietary intake data was collected and compared to current dietary recommendations. This data was then used to investigate any link between nutrition knowledge level and dietary behaviour in the active adolescent subjects. One hundred and twenty-four adolescents of ages 14-18 years were recruited for the study from schools and competitive sporting teams in the Auckland region. Participants completed the nutrition knowledge questionnaire and were requested to complete a three-day food diary (two weekdays, one weekend day). Physical activity was recorded qualitatively by the subjects for the week in which dietary intake was measured. Body composition was assessed by calibrated digital scales and height measurement. The nutrition knowledge of the active adolescents of this study was found to be poor, with a mean score of 55% achieved by the group. The interest of these subjects in sport was illustrated with a slightly higher nutrition knowledge score on the sport nutrition section of the questionnaire than the general nutrition section, 57% v 54%, p<0.05. The nutrition knowledge level of females was found to be significantly higher than males, 58% v 53%, p<0.05. Forly-six of the subjects returned completed food diaries (respondant rate 37%). It was found that subjects underreported energy intake between 11 - 14%. The reported dietary intakes of macronutrients of the group met New Zealand and United States dietary recommendations. However, the reported intakes of several micronutrients were found to be below these recommendations. In the comparison of nutrition knowledge level and dietary intake of the subjects, no link was found between knowledge level and dietary behaviour. The low level of nutrition knowledge of these subjects is consistent with previous studies of nutrition knowledge in adolescents. It highlights the need for further nutrition education during the adolescent period, especially for adolescents who are physically active . The underreported energy intake reflects previous study findings with the difference speculated to be primarily due to the inaccurate reporting of intake typified by this adolescent age group. The dietary intake of these adolescents met the majority of dietary intake recommendations, which may reflect the high socio-economic status and high interest in sport of the subjects. These may also be a factor in the lack of correlation between nutrition knowledge level and dietary behaviour found in this study.Item Exploring the expectations and experiences of students, ex-students and parents/caregivers of a sport academy programme : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education at Massey University(Massey University, 2005) Erueti, BevanThis case study explored the expectations and experiences that past and current students and parents/caregivers have of a secondary school sport academy programme. These programmes have become increasingly common in the New Zealand secondary school system and are diverse in operation and philosophical underpinning. Yet, despite their popularity, they remain relatively unexplored in terms of the experiences of young people who participate in them. Current members of a secondary school sport academy programme were interviewed, together with parents/caregivers and a limited number of ex-students. The director and implementers of the programme were also interviewed. Furthermore, observations were completed and documentation gathered on the sport academy programme. Information collated was analysed using multiple data sources that included a combination of quantitative methods in relation to the questionnaires and qualitative strategies for the interviews, observations and documentation. Analysis revealed that the sport academy was just one of a number of experiences contributing to a member's sporting achievement. Improvement in academic attitude and effort was also not significant. This was almost certainly due to the current selection criteria, as many of the participants had demonstrated athletic and academic talent prior to applying. Investigation of the expectations of the current and ex-members and their parents/caregivers showed that some of these had not been met, including components noted in the sport academy documentation. A career in a student's chosen sport was not perceived to be a motive to be a part of the programme, but the camaraderie and similarities students shared being athletically gifted, were perceived as important reasons to participate. Self-confidence was an additional positive outcome. A number of concerns were raised by this research. Both the students and the parents/caregivers indicated that they would like NCEA qualifications established as part of the academic curriculum within the sport academy programme. Furthermore parents/caregivers preferred more involvement and communication with the sport academy director. Results from the study support the contention that sport academy programmes are viable vehicles for those identified as athletically gifted.