Sociodemographics, playing habits, adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern, dietary supplements intake, physical activity level, and degree of Internet gaming disorder of Portuguese chess players

Abstract

Introduction: Lifestyle and gaming habits may influence chess players' adhesion to healthy dietary patterns. This study aims to characterize Portuguese chess players sociodemographics, playing traits, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), dietary supplement (DS) consumption, physical activity level, degree of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and to study predictors of adherence to the MD. Methodology: Data was gathered using an online survey disseminated through social networks, which included questions regarding sociodemographics, chess playing habits, the PREDIMED questionnaire, DS consumption, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. Results: The 192 respondents (93.8% males) had a mean of 41 years (SD=14), high education (mean=15.1 years; SD=1.7), and played chess for 6.3 hours (SD=9.7) a week. Most (58.9%; n=113) reported moderate adherence to the MD, 30.2% (n=58) ingested DS, 64.1% (n=123) adhered to the WHO Physical Activity Recommendations, and no subject was classified with IGD. Higher Elo scores correlated with higher red/processed meat consumption (OR=4.935, p=0.005). A greater volume of chess play related to higher consumption of pastries and sweets (OR=3.127, p=0.007). Higher IGD scores were associated with lower adhesion to the MD (OR=1.067, p=0.019). Conclusions: The most dedicated chess players may be less concerned with maintaining a balanced diet and may require supervision from health professionals.