An Examination of 4 Questions Assessing Self-reported Concussions Among High School Students Participating in Team Sports. Issue 2 (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: DePadilla, Lara; Miller, Gabrielle F.; Jones, Sherry Everett
• Is Part Of: Journal of public health management and practice. Volume 26:Issue 2(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: athletes -- concussion -- high school; Public health administration -- United States -- Periodicals; 253.6
• DOI: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000000901
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-4659

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Current prevalence estimates of youth sports-related concussions are inconsistent because of variation in methodology and potentially unreported concussions. Methods: In 2013, Connecticut, Ohio, and Utah each added different questions that assessed self-reported concussions to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Two questions referenced recognition of a concussion by the student, 1 referenced identification by a doctor, and 1 referenced suspicion by a coach. Chi-square analyses were used to identify whether there was an association between demographic characteristics and the concussion questions among high school students who played on at least 1 sports team. Results: The percentage of students who reported concussions ranged from 17.6% to 20.1%. Conclusions: These estimates are higher than rates of concussions diagnosed in emergency departments or reported by athletic trainers but were similar across the 4 questions. The field would benefit from a better understanding of the impact of question wording and format on estimates of concussion prevalence.