The Impact of Sports Injuries on the Academic Performance and Mental Health of High School Students in Jeddah.

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Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effects of sports injuries on the academic performance and mental health of high school students in Jeddah. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study utilized a closed-ended electronic questionnaire (e-questionnaire) sent to students from four international high schools in Jeddah. The e-questionnaire included questions assessing the level of academic courses, the frequency and types of sports injuries encountered, and the impact of these injuries on both academic performance and mental health. The chi-square test was used to establish relationships between categorical variables, with a p-value threshold of <0.05 determining statistical significance. Results Of the 117 high school students who participated in the study, 56.4% (n=66) were male and 43.6% (n=51) were female. Approximately 83.8% (n=98) of students engaged in sports. Interestingly, 65.0% (n=76) reported experiencing a sports injury during their high school years, with 73.7% (n=56) of these injuries occurring during school-related activities. These sports injuries significantly affected students' academic performance and mental health, impacting 65.8% (n=50)and 76.1% (n=51) of respondents, respectively. Major consequences included delayed assignments (96%, n=48 ), missed exams (88%, n=44), suicidal thoughts (56.9%, n=29), and self-harm thoughts (23.5%, n=12). Surprisingly, only 25.4% (n=17) of students received support from their schools. Furthermore, when support was provided, it was primarily in the form of medical assistance, with a notable lack of mental health support. Conclusion Our study revealed a significant gap in the school support system for students, which requires urgent attention. High school students are highly active and often experience sports-related injuries, particularly during school activities. These injuries can profoundly affect students' academic performance and mental health. Therefore, the findings of our study are essential for raising awareness among students, parents, and teachers about sports injury management. Additionally, although our study focused solely on private international schools, it is crucial for stakeholders in both government and private education sectors to address this issue at a broader level, ensuring adequate support for students facing such injuries. This will help protect the well-being and safety of future students.