Concussion History, Reporting Behaviors, Attitudes, and Knowledge in Jockeys

To examine concussion history, knowledge, and attitudes among Irish professional and amateur jockeys.

Cross-sectional survey.

Questionnaire was distributed through e-mails sent to all licensed jockeys, over social media and during professional and amateur race meetings.

An average of 23.6% (12%-44%) Irish professional and amateur jockeys (n = 119) holding a license in 2017.

Jockeys reported their previous concussion history, actions after their most recent concussion and responded to questions examining their knowledge and attitudes toward concussion.

Amateur (32.4%) and professional (19.6%) jockeys, who were never medically diagnosed over their career, suspected that they had sustained a concussion. Jockeys displayed good knowledge of concussion signs and symptoms; yet, one in 2 jockeys would continue to ride out the same day if they suspected they had a concussion. They were less likely if they had a race that day. Reasons for continuing to ride include not considering a concussion as serious (85.7%); risk of losing the ride (84.0%); not wanting to let anyone down (77.8%); and considered it a sign of weakness (74.1%). Risky behavior was more common after a suspected concussion than a medically diagnosed concussion.

Underreporting of concussions is proposed as a serious concern, and concussion understanding and attitudes can impact reporting. To address the issue of underreporting of concussions in Irish horseracing, there is a need to educate jockeys and the wider racing community on the importance of timely concussion assessments and access to appropriate management systems.