Development of a Theory-Based Nutrition Education Program Targeting Varsity Athletes at a Canadian University

This paper describes the development and design of Nutrition for Athletes: A Focus on Dietary Supplements, an online educational intervention created for varsity athletes at the University of Guelph. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the program aimed to improve athletes’ nutrition and dietary supplement-related knowledge while modifying attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and behaviors associated with dietary supplement use. Formative research with the target population revealed widespread misconceptions, strong social influences, and high perceived benefits of supplement use, which highlighted the need for an intervention focused on reshaping underlying beliefs. The program covered topics related to sports nutrition, hydration, dietary supplements, and risks of supplement use, and was integrated into the university’s learning management system. Each unit was mapped onto relevant TPB constructs, with an emphasis on correcting inaccurate beliefs and promoting a food-first approach. The program’s effectiveness was evaluated through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires assessing knowledge and TPB constructs. This paper outlines the theoretical framework, development process, and content structure of the intervention, and presents a model that can be replicated in future educational programs.