Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2025

A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
Published on: September 25, 2014
Factors associated with parent and youth athlete concussion knowledge
Erica Beidler1, Abigail C Bretzin2, Ara J Schmitt3
1Department of Athletic Training, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States.
Introduction:
On-site health care providers are not routinely present at all youth sport events. Therefore, parents and youth athletes are often responsible for identifying and making appropriate immediate care decisions regarding concussions, which may be influenced by their injury health literacy. Previous studies have investigated the level of concussion knowledge of parents and athletes, but few have investigated factors associated with greater awareness at the youth sport level specifically.
Method:
A total of 466 parents and 390 youth contact sport athletes from Pennsylvania and Michigan completed separate surveys of concussion knowledge and personal and family demographic information.
Results:
Parents had a mean concussion knowledge score of 39.3 ± 4.6 out of a possible 47 points. Having a medical occupation (p = .04) and being older in age (p = .03) were associated with higher concussion knowledge scores in parents (R2 = 0.018; 95% CI = 32.77-38.99). Youth athletes had a mean concussion knowledge score of 35.0 ± 5.7 out of 47. Having learned about concussion previously (p < .001), having a history of diagnosed concussion(s) (p = .01), sport type (relative to girls' ice hockey, p < .001), older age (p < .001), and parent concussion knowledge (p = .04) were associated with higher youth athlete concussion knowledge (R2 = 0.176; 95% CI = 19.08-31.72).
Conclusions:
More evidence-based concussion awareness resources are needed at the youth sport level. While it did not significantly influence concussion knowledge for parents, concussion education is a modifiable factor that may be essential for improving concussion knowledge of youth athletes, thus warranting further study into effective awareness strategies for this population. Practical Applications: The factors found to influence concussion knowledge in this study could be considered in future educational concussion initiatives for youth athletes and their parents in order to increase awareness regarding the potential dangers of participating in sport while concussed.
Related Concept Videos
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....

