Sources of Acquired Concussion Information Reported by Parents of Youth Athletes

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Examining the relationships between demographics (sex, geographic location) and sources of acquired concussion information, and where parents would take their child for concussion evaluation. Methods A cross-sectional survey collecting demographics and concussion knowledge of parents (male: n=136/359, 38%; female: n=22/359, 62%) of youth athletes (i.e., football, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer) in Michigan (n=131/359, 36.5%) and Pennsylvania (n=228/359, 62%). Separate Chi-square tests for independence examined the relationship between demographics (sex, geographic location) and sources of acquired concussion information, and where parents would take their child for concussion evaluation. Results Overall, parents recognized common concussion signs and symptoms and had general knowledge of concussion. There was a significant association between sex and acquiring information from sports medicine physicians (male: 31.6%, female: 18.9%; χ2 (1, n=358)=6.83, p=.009), and sports news outlets (male: 32.4%, female: 18.9%; χ2 (1, n=358)=7.62, p=.006). There was a significant association between geographic location and acquiring information from a coach (Michigan: 72.5%, Pennsylvania: 40.4%; χ2 (1, n=359)=32.22, p<.001), recreational league officials/league mandated paperwork (Michigan: 50.4%, Pennsylvania: 26.3%; χ2 (1, n=359)=20.11, p<.001), and youth sport state concussion laws (Michigan: 38.2%, Pennsylvania: 10.5%; χ2 (1, n=359)=37.18, p<.001). There was a significant association between geographic location and where parents would take their child for concussion evaluation (χ2 (3, n=338)=19.76, p<.001). Conclusion Sex and geographic location may influence where parents of youth athletes acquire concussion information and where they may seek medical attention.