Concussion reporting, knowledge and attitudes in Irish amateur gaelic games athletes. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leahy, Róisín; Farrington, Shane; Whyte, Enda; O'Connor, Siobhán
• Is Part Of: Physical therapy in sport. Volume 43(2020)
• Page Start: 236
• Page End: 243
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Head injury -- Concussion reporting -- Health education -- Ireland; Sports physical therapy -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- diagnosis -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- therapy -- Periodicals; Physical Therapy -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; 615.82088796
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2019.06.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-853X

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To examine self-reported concussion history, knowledge and attitudes towards concussion reporting and education in Irish adult Gaelic games players. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Data were collected using an online survey instrument. Participants: Two hundred and sixteen adult Gaelic games athletes (106 male, 110 female). Main outcome measures: Self-reported concussion history for the previous season, reporting history for participants' most recent concussion, concussion knowledge, willingness to report future concussions in a variety of situations and desire for further concussion education. Results: Seventy-three percent of participants suspected they had sustained a concussion in the past. Most (72.2%) informed someone of their most recent concussion, although two-thirds continued to play during their most recent concussion. Participants had a good overall understanding of concussion, although concussion knowledge score was not associated with safer behaviour following participants' most recent concussion. While most agreed that concussion is a serious injury (95.8%), 46.8% would not report a concussion during important games. Conclusions: The high proportion of participants playing following concussion and their reluctance to report concussions during important games is concerning. Interventions aimed at improving attitudes towards concussion reporting among athletes and other stakeholders are required to improve concussion management in amateur Gaelic games athletes. Highlights: Although concussion is prevalent among adult Gaelic games players, many players do not seek medical assistance. Many players continue to play following a concussion and a minority do not report concussions to anyone. Approximately half of all players would not report a concussion in the future if it occurred during or before a major game. .High levels of concussion-related knowledge are not associated with safer behaviour Future interventions should focus on player attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control as well knowledge