Connecticut high school coaches' beliefs, attitudes, self-efficacy, and practices related to the delivery of health education to athletes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three modifiable risk behaviors---tobacco use, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity---are the underlying root cause far most of the morbidity and mortality related to chronic disease in the United States. These risky behaviors often begin in adolescence; therefore, chronic disease prevention should be directed at youth. Multiple partners and settings should be utilized to reach adolescents. High school coaches are strategically positioned to promote healthy behaviors and should be considered valuable health promotion partners. This study investigated the beliefs, attitudes, self-efficacy, and practices of high school coaches utilizing a self-report questionnaire. Analysis of the data suggests that high school coaches in Connecticut have the knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, and desire to provide health education to their athletes. Coaches are also aware of the direct correlation between the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and a diminished risk of chronic disease development.