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Concussion Knowledge and Reporting Behaviors Among Collegiate Athletes
Jamie McAllister-Deitrick1, Erica Beidler2, Jessica Wallace3
1Department of Kinesiology, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina.
Summary
Female collegiate athletes demonstrate superior sport-related concussion (SRC) knowledge compared to males. However, significant sex-based disparities persist in SRC reporting behaviors, indicating a need for targeted educational interventions.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sport-related concussions (SRCs) pose significant risks to collegiate athletes.
- Understanding knowledge gaps and reporting behaviors is crucial for athlete safety.
- Sex differences in concussion outcomes and reporting are increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sport-related concussion knowledge among collegiate athletes.
- To examine the impact of this knowledge on reporting behaviors.
- To identify potential sex differences in both knowledge and reporting.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study surveyed 986 collegiate athletes from 6 institutions.
- Surveys assessed demographics, SRC knowledge, and reporting behaviors.
- Statistical analyses included independent samples t tests and chi-square analyses.
Main Results:
- Female athletes scored significantly higher than male athletes in overall SRC knowledge and symptom knowledge.
- Approximately 25% of athletes reported playing with a suspected SRC.
- Significant sex differences were found in the failure to report suspected SRCs.
Conclusions:
- Current educational initiatives for collegiate athletes regarding SRCs may be insufficient.
- Targeted interventions are needed to address sex-based differences in SRC knowledge and reporting.
- Improving reporting behaviors is critical for effective concussion management in collegiate sports.
