New Zealand secondary school students’ knowledge, attitude and behaviours towards sports-related concussion

ML Roberts Prize Winner

Abstract

Sports-related concussion is a significant problem in New Zealand, with an estimated 21% of all traumatic brain injuries occurring in the sporting environment. The symptoms of sports-related concussion experienced by high school-aged athletes are often associated with a decline in academic performance, and are commonly more severe and persistent then those experienced by adult athletes. A 35-item, multi-choice questionnaire was used to ascertain New Zealand secondary school students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of sports-related concussion. By comparing results from 2018 to those obtained in 2017, this study investigated the impact that a 2018 Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) social media campaign may have had on New Zealand secondary school students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding sports-related concussion. The main findings of this study show that the ACC social media campaign did not alter students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours toward sports-related concussion. Students were knowledgeable regarding concussion and showed positive attitudes towards correct management of the injury. Students had specific knowledge gaps regarding the onset of symptoms, activities to avoid post-concussion, the possible complications of multiple injuries, and recognition of the less discernible symptoms of concussion. These results suggest that secondary school students would benefit from further education on the possible long-term effects of sports-related concussion and the importance of effective management once a concussion has occurred.