Sports Participation and its Influence on Information-Seeking Behaviour among Athletes: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Sports participation requires continuous learning and informed decision-making, where athletes actively seek information related to training, nutrition, injury prevention, and performance enhancement. With the expansion of digital media and sports science, athletes now access diverse information sources; however, their information-seeking behaviour varies according to their level of participation, experience, and training environment. Purpose of the study: This study aimed to explore the types of information sought by athletes, understand how sports participation influences their information needs and behaviours, identify preferred information sources and access patterns, and examine barriers faced in accessing reliable information. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected from 150 athletes representing various sports disciplines, including both competitive and recreational participants, using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore athletes’ information needs, sources, motivations, and challenges. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes related to information-seeking behaviour. Results: The findings revealed that athletes seek diverse types of information, including training techniques, injury prevention, nutrition, psychological support, and competition strategies. Sports participation significantly influences information behaviour, with competitive athletes demonstrating more structured, frequent, and specialized information needs compared to recreational athletes. Preferred information sources included coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, digital platforms, and peers. Access patterns varied from routine-based (competitive athletes) to need-based (recreational athletes), with increasing use of real-time digital access. Major barriers included information overload, lack of credibility in online sources, limited access to professionals, time constraints, low information literacy, and language difficulties. Conclusion: Sports participation plays a crucial role in shaping athletes’ information-seeking behaviour. Higher levels of engagement lead to more complex and structured information needs, while also increasing reliance on expert-based sources. However, challenges such as misinformation and limited information literacy hinder effective information use. The study highlights the need for structured information support systems and improved information literacy programs to enhance athletes’ decision-making and performance.

Keywords: Sports participation; information-seeking behaviour; athletes; digital information; sports science; qualitative study; information literacy