Concussion knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors: a comparison study of youth athletes and their parents

Given the rising participation in high school athletics and the concerning trend of underreporting concussions, this study aims to identify and compare factors influencing sports-related concussion (SRC) awareness and reporting among youth athletes to their parents.'

Surveys were completed by 239 student-athletes (ages 13-19) and their parents, using a modified Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey-Student Version (RoCKAS-ST) and demographic questionnaires. Statistical analyses, including paired sample t-tests, ANOVAs, and Spearman's correlations, compared knowledge and attitudes between groups and examined demographic influences.

Parents showed significantly higher concussion knowledge (CKI: t(230) = 5.18, p < .001) and safer attitudes (CAI: t(230) = 10.62, p < .001) than their children. Knowledge scores varied significantly by race and socioeconomic status, with White parents scoring higher than Hispanic and African American parents (F(3,224) = 8.97, p < .001). Child knowledge scores also differed by race (F(4,223) = 3.73, p = .006) and correlated positively with parental education (r = .22, p < .001). Notably, a history of concussion significantly increased child knowledge (t(229) = -2.99, p = .002) but did not affect parental knowledge or attitudes.

The findings highlight a critical gap in concussion knowledge and attitudes between parents and children, indicating the need for targeted educational interventions. While parents are generally more knowledgeable, variations based on race and socioeconomic status suggest disparities in access to concussion education. The study emphasizes the importance of involving both athletes and parents in educational initiatives to foster a comprehensive understanding of SRCs. Recommendations include developing culturally and socioeconomically tailored programs to enhance reporting behaviors and improve concussion management practices among young athletes.