Concussion knowledge, attitudes, and perceived level of involvement by american youth sport coaches in concussion management

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe concussion knowledge and attitudes of youth sport coaches and relationships among knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of coach involvement in concussion management.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingYouth sport coaches in North Carolina and Arizona.Subjects81 youth sport coaches (males: n=69; females: n=11; age=42, IQR=33,45).InterventionA validated survey identifying demographics, concussion knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was perceived level of coach involvement in concussion management. Descriptive and univariable statistics were used to examine knowledge and attitude differences by demographic factors and perceived involvement. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between knowledge and attitude and perceived level of coach involvement (lower agreement vs. higher agreement).ResultsKnowledge was low-moderate (Median=13/23, IQR=11,14.5), with 75% indicating a loss of consciousness always occurs with concussion. Attitudes were positive (Median=42/42, IQR=40,42). Forty-seven (58%) strongly agreed or agreed that coaches should be involved in clinical decision-making. There were no differences in knowledge or attitudes across gender, age, previous concussion education, or previous concussion history. Knowledge and attitude were not correlated (r=0.114; p=0.343). There were no knowledge (Median=13, IQR=12,15 vs. Median = 12, IQR=11,14) or attitude (Median=42, IQR=41,42 vs. Median = 42, IQR=39,42) differences between lower and higher perceived involvement, respectively. No associations were observed in the multivariable model with perceived coach involvement (p>0.05).ConclusionsCoaches had limited knowledge, but expressed positive attitudes towards concussion. Educational efforts should target both knowledge and attitudes, as these constructs are not related, but are both key to improving the culture concerning concussion.Competing interestsThe project was funded in part by a grant from the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment.