Pain, Injury and Related Behaviours among Footballers Partaking in Tournaments

Abstract

This study sought to determine the prevalence of self-reported pain and/or injury (SRPI) experienced by Caribbean footballers and the associated behaviours associated with SRPI. The prevalence of SRPI among footballers was 46.2%, with 71.5% and 36%, respectively, of players admitting having played one game previously with an injury, and having used a painkiller before playing at least one game previously. Female players were more likely to hide an injury from the coaching staff in order to play a game (OR = 2.9, 95% CI (1.7, 4.8)) and attempt to use a banned substance in order to get fit to play (OR = 4.2, 95% CI (1.2, 14.3)) than males, but males were more likely to use a painkiller before playing games than females (OR = 2.2, 95% CI (1.9, 3.9)). Education of players on analgesics and basic injury management together with the implementation of injury prevention programs are needed for these players.