A-49 Sideline Concussion Assessment Tool symptoms predict poorer mental health outcomes in college athletes

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Assessment of emotional functioning is essential in sports-related concussion (SRC) management. This study investigated the prediction of mental health outcomes from the SCAT-3 Symptom Scale. Methods: Canadian university athletes who compete in contact sports participated in a large-scale study (Active Rehabilitation). A total of 235 participants (males = 67%) completed the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Quality of Life Scale (QOLS), and Sideline Concussion Assessment Tool, 3rd edition (SCAT). Step-wise regression analysis using demographic variables (gender, age, history of Learning Disability, history of ADHD, diagnosis of psychiatric condition) and psychological symptoms from the SCAT were used as predictors for the BSI (Depression and Anxiety) and QOLS (Depression and Anxiety). Results: Regression analysis revealed female gender, previous psychiatric diagnosis and Nervousness (SCAT) significantly predicted higher scores on the Depression subscales of BSI (R2 = 0.21, F1,231 = 20.3, p < 0.001) and Quality of Life (R2 = 0.21, F1,231 = 18.0, p < 0.001). Female gender, previous psychiatric diagnosis, Nervousness and Irritability predicted higher scores on both the Anxiety subscales of the BSI (R2 = 0.23, F1,230 = 16.9, p < 0.001) and Quality of Life (R2 = 0.26, F1,230 = 20.2, p < 0.001). Contrary to other findings, history of concussion was not significantly predictive of higher Depression and/or Anxiety scores (although there was a trend between number of concussions and higher symptom report). Conclusions: SCAT symptoms may capture heightened emotional symptom report with more robust scales measuring emotional functioning. In contrast, concussion history did not predict emotional symptoms, a finding contrary to published literature.