A National Child Health Poll on paediatric concussion: perceived knowledge, self-efficacy and concern among Australian parents

Abstract

Background. Parents play a role in the prevention, identification and management of concussion in their children. This study aimed to examine perceived concussion knowledge, self-efficacy regarding concussion identification and management, and concern about concussion among Australian parents. Methods. The Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll is a periodic cross-sectional survey completed by a nationally representative sample of parents and caregivers selected from a consumer panel. Data were weighted to reflect the distribution of the Australian parent population. Results. The survey was completed by 1953 parents of 3260 children. One- third of parents reported having very little knowledge about concussion. One in five parents reported low self-efficacy in recognising signs of concussion or managing their child’s recovery. Parents were most worried about their child sustaining a concussion in contact sports (85% of children). Due to their concern about the risk of concussion, some parents stopped their children participating in contact sport, non-contact sport and other physical activities. Conclusions. Parents reported having little knowledge about concussion and low self-efficacy in identification and management. Parents are concerned about the risk of concussion, with implications for child sport and physical activity participation. These findings identify knowledge, self-efficacy and concern about concussion risk as intervention targets within the Australian parent population.