Lifetime history of sexual and physical abuse among competitive athletics (track and field) athletes: cross sectional study of associations with sports and non-sports injury. Issue 22 (6th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Timpka, Toomas; Janson, Staffan; Jacobsson, Jenny; Dahlström, Örjan; Spreco, Armin; Kowalski, Jan; Bargoria, Victor; Mountjoy, Margo; Svedin, Carl Göran
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 53:Issue 22(2019)
• Page Start: 1412
• Page End: 1417
• Publication Date: 2018-09-06
• Subjects: athletics -- sexual harassment -- sporting injuries -- epidemiology; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099335
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To examine associations between lifetime sexual and physical abuse, and the likelihood of injury within and outside sport in athletes involved in competitive athletics. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed among the top 10 Swedish athletics athletes using 1 year prevalence of sports and non-sports injuries as the primary outcome measure. Associations with sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime abuse history and training load were investigated. Data were analysed using simple and multiple logistic regression models. Results: 11% of 197 participating athletes reported lifetime sexual abuse; there was a higher proportion of women (16.2%) than men (4.3%) (P=0.005). 18% reported lifetime physical abuse; there was a higher proportion of men (22.8%) than women (14.3%) (P=0.050). For women, lifetime sexual abuse was associated with an increased likelihood of a non-sports injury (OR 8.78, CI 2.76 to 27.93; P<0.001). Among men, increased likelihood of a non-sports injury was associated with more frequent use of alcoholic beverages (OR 6.47, CI 1.49 to 28.07; P=0.013), while commencing athletics training at >13 years of age was associated with a lower likelihood of non-sports injury (OR 0.09, CI 0.01 to 0.81; P=0.032). Lifetime physical abuse was associated with a higher likelihood of sports injury in women (OR 12.37, CI 1.52 to 100.37; P=0.019). Among men, athletes with each parents with ≤12 years formal education had a lower likelihood of sustaining an injury during their sports practice (OR 0.37, CI 0.14 to 0.96; P=0.040). Conclusions: Lifetime sexual and physical abuse were associated with an increased likelihood of injury among female athletes. Emotional factors should be included in the comprehension of injuries sustained by athletes.