Psychometric properties of concussion knowledge and cognitive mediators of reporting measures. (24th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCarthy, Kevin S.; Kneavel, Meredith; Ernst, William
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 35:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: 1210
• Page End: 1217
• Publication Date: 2021-08-24
• Subjects: Concussion education -- measurement -- theory of planned behavior/theory of reasoned action; Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2021.1959064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Context : Concussion education and prevention programs require reliable and valid instruments to evaluate the theory, mechanisms, and outcome of these interventions Objective : To assess the psychometric properties of measures evaluating concussion education and prevention programsDesign : Descriptive epidemiological Setting: 10 NCAA-member universities Patients or Other Participants : 841 student-athletes in an RCT control group testing an ecological, peer-led concussion education program Main Outcome Measures : Instruments adapted for assessing concussion knowledge and Theory of Planned Behavior/Theory of Reasoned Action (TPB/TRA) cognitive mediators of reporting behavior (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived control, and intentions to report concussion). Participants completed measures at baseline, after one hour, and after one month Results : Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were moderate for both the concussion knowledge and cognitive mediator measures. TPB/TRA was supported subscale intercorrelation and item factor analysis in the cognitive mediator scale. Factor analysis of the concussion knowledge measure revealed subscales for physical/cognitive, psychological/affective, and non-symptoms. The intermediate TPB/TRA mediators of attitudes, norms, and perceived control predicted greater intention-to-report, which predicted increased likelihood of reporting concussion one month later.Conclusions : Measures of concussion knowledge and cognitive mediators of reporting adapted from the literature show adequate psychometric properties and support TPB/TRA application for concussion reporting behaviors.