705. Psychology, Behavior and Neurobiology - behavioral aspects of sport Scientific Abstract

3453 - Sport-related Concussion Reporting Behaviors And Non-disclosure Patterns Of Youth Contact Sport Athletes

Session Type
Free Communication/Poster
Session Name
F-65 - Concussion and Behavior
Session Category Text
Psychology, Behavior and Neurobiology
Disclosures
 A.C. Bretzin: None.

Abstract

Current literature on sport-related concussion (SRC) reporting behaviors and reasons for non-disclosure is dominated by older athletic populations. Youth athletes participating in contact sports are at risk for SRC; however, little is known about SRC disclosure patterns and reasons for non-disclosure in this group. PURPOSE: To examine SRC reporting behaviors and reasons for non-disclosure in youth contact sport athletes.
METHODS: Youth athletes (n = 442; 66.5% male, 33.5% female) aged 8-14 years participating in football (22.4%), ice hockey (26.5%), lacrosse (24.9%), and soccer (26.2%) completed a 15-minute survey composed of demographics, diagnosed and non-disclosed SRC history, and reasons why they did not report a suspected SRC. The survey was adapted for elementary school readability and researchers were present to clarify any athlete questions. Descriptive statistics expressed frequencies of self-reported diagnosed SRC, suspected SRC non-disclosure, and reasons for non-disclosure.
RESULTS: A total of 44 (10%) youth contact sport athletes recalled a diagnosed SRC; 68.1% (n = 30) of those recalled 1, 20.5% (n = 9) recalled 2, and 13.6% (n = 6) recalled ≥3 diagnosed SRC. Youth athletes also indicated they thought they had a SRC but still played in a practice (n = 55, 13.0%) or game (n = 51, 12.0%), respectively. While, 50 (11.8%) athletes reported they thought they sustained a SRC and did not report it to anyone. The most common reasons for non-disclosure selected by youth athletes included: I did not want to lose playing time (n = 33, 66.0%), I did not want to miss a game (n = 10, 56.0%), at the time I did not think it was a concussion (n = 26, 52%), I did not want to let my team down (n = 23, 46%).
CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological evidence of SRC in this setting is lacking; however, these novel results identified 10% of youth athletes self-reported a previous SRC. Significantly, 13% of athletes indicated they remained in play with a suspected SRC and 12% of athletes did not report their suspected SRC to anyone. Youth athletes’ reasons for non-disclosure were similar to those reported in high school and college athletes. Recent research suggests negative consequences of continued play with SRC, especially in acute stages. Future educational initiatives should emphasize these risks, and focus on reasons why athletes withhold reporting.
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