Concussion beliefs in varsity athletes: Identifying the good, the bad and the ugly

Abstract

ObjectiveIdentify and describe attitudes and intentions towards personal concussion risk and protective behaviours among varsity athletes. Determine subgroups of athletes characterized by problematic intentions towards concussion prevention and management behaviours.DesignCross-sectional survey.Main outcome measuresVarsity athletes (N = 175; 60% male; 55.4% contact athletes; 56.6% history of concussion) completed a survey examining attitudes and intentions towards personal risk and concussion-management behaviours. Cluster and discriminant analyses were used to identify athlete risk response subgroups on intention items. The clusters were examined for differences in attitudes towards concussion prevention behaviours, demographics and concussion exposure.ResultsA substantially problematic subgroup of athletes (28% of the sample) reported low intent to engage in post concussion management practices or primary prevention behaviours. These individuals reported high concussion-risk acceptance and very low beli...