Examining Concussion Awareness, Perceptions,and Management Practices in Georgia High School Sports: An Application of the Diffusion of Innovations Theory in Sports Injury Prevention Öffentlichkeit

Abstract

Background : Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects 1.7 million Americans each year. Sport related TBI accounts for nearly 20% of all head injuries in the United States. Sate concussion legislation has been universally adopted to address the growing need for improved education and concussion management in youth sports. It is unknown what effect legislative efforts have had on concussion awareness and management practices within high school athletic arenas.

Objective : The objective of this research was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and adoption behaviors among high school sport stakeholders in Georgia.

Methods: A pilot tested electronic survey was disseminated to high schools within the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) to coaches, student athletes, and parents of student athletes who actively participated in high school sports during the 2012-2013 season. Survey constructs focused on: a) knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of concussions; b) knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of established concussion guidelines; and c) coaches' adoption of the GHSA polices.

Results : 355 participants completed the online survey. Among respondents, 50% were coaches, 43% were parents and 7% were student athletes. Nearly all (94%) respondents accurately identified a concussion as a TBI and more than 90% of coaches accurately identified signs and symptoms of concussions. Most participants perceived concussions as serious (93%), and believed structured concussion policies were important for protecting youth health (88%). Similarly, 75% of respondents were aware of the GHSA guidelines and most surveyed coaches reported the GHSA guidelines were similar (85%) and compatible (86%) with current schools' policies on concussion injuries. Yet, only up to 85% of surveyed coaches accurately identified appropriate management actions for a potentially concussed athlete, and over 7% of parents who witnessed a concussion in the previous year, reported coaches did not follow standard removal and return to play guidelines for high school athletes.

Impact : This data suggests that while most Georgia high school sports have high degree of knowledge and awareness of concussion injuries, and generally a positive perception of GHSA concussion policies, specific gaps in knowledge and policy adoption exists that warrant further attention by public health practitioners and policy makers alike.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

Introduction and Rationale...1
Thematic Framework...3
Research Questions...5

CHAPTER II: BACKGROUND

Brief Overview...5
Early Outreach Efforts...6
Recommended Guidelines for Concussion Injury...7
Concussion Legislation...8

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY

Survey Development and Validation...10
Survey Measures...10
Pilot Survey Validation...11
Survey Dissemination...12
Participant Recruitment...12
Study Participants...12
Survey Implementation...13
Study Outcomes...13
Data Analysis...14

CHAPTER IV: RESULTS

Demographics...14
Objective 1...16
Knowledge and Awareness...16
Attitudes Towards Concussion Injuries...17
Objective 2...18
Objective 3...20

CHAPTER V: DISCUSSION

Discussion of Results...23
Limitations...26
Future Applications...27

REFERENCES...29

TABLES & FIGURES

Figure 1. Diffusion of Innovations Theory...3
Table 1. Concussion Knowledge and Awareness...16

APPENDIX A: STUDY SURVEY MEASURES...31
APPENDIX B: COUNTY DISTRIBUTION OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS...32

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Behavioral Sciences and Health Education
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Education, General
Stichwort	Concussion Legislation Sports-Related Concussion TBI
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Lang, Delia L, Emory University
Committee Members	Wright, David W, Emory University Houry, Debra E, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Emory University schools, faculty or affiliated programs

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