Study on Gender Differences in Food Habits and Sport Performance among Secondary School Boys and Girls in Sri Lanka

Abstract

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in English; abstract also in Chinese. The objectives of this research were to identify the significant difference between students food habits at different periods of sport activity, to identify gender differences in food habits and to identify sport performance in food habits and, sport performance among secondary school boys and girls. A descriptive survey method was adopted. The situation sampling method (non-randomized) was used to select 10 secondary schools and 100 students (N=100) including 50 girls and 50 boys who are aged between 17-19. Data were obtained by distribution questionnaires to the sample and the data were analyzed using a bi-nominal probability test and Pearson's chi-square test and descriptive method. The mixed results were revealed in this research (both significant difference and no significant difference) in food habits and sport performance. The bi-nominal probability test implies that in the pre exercise period, those who got good food habits shows high level of performance among girls than boys. However for the water intake no significant difference was recorded During the exercise period those who got good food habits instead of showing high level of performance among girls than boys. However no significant difference in other drinks habits. Regarding post exercise period significant difference was recorded with interruptions for food habits and protein intake. Pearson’s chi squire test, shows DF (12) P value = 0.839 twelve cells with expected counts less than 5.0. According to the chi test, no significant difference of sport performance with two habits were found in terms of gender and nature of game (indoor and outdoor). This study also reveals that the food habits of both boys and girls were quite traditional. 本文旨在探討斯里蘭卡中學生的飲食行為與運動表現，採用問卷形式共調查了一百位男女中學生，結果顯示他們的飲食行為與運動表現都較為傳統的。