Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior Toward Concussion in Adult Cyclists

Date
2020-07-06
Authors
O’Reilly, M
Mahon, S
Reid, D
Hume, P
Hardacker, N
Theadom, A
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract

Objective To determine knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward concussion in cyclists and to identify predictors of concussion knowledge.

Methods Cycling organizations sent members a web link to online information about the study and a questionnaire. Anyone aged >16 years, living in New Zealand and engaged in a cycling activity was invited to participate. The 36-item questionnaire included sociodemographics, knowledge about concussion, helmet use, and personal concussion history. Data were collected between 15/05/19 and 30/06/19. A multiple linear regression model identified factors associated with levels of concussion knowledge.

Results The questionnaire was completed by 672 participants aged between 16 and 82 years (x̄ = 48.6 years). Knowledge of concussion was high. However, knowledge that helmets are not able to prevent concussion was low and time to return to sport after injury was variable. Knowledge did not always translate to seeking of medical attention or replacement of helmet behavior. Younger age and having sustained at least one prior concussion were associated with higher levels of concussion knowledge F(df = 3) = 8.81, p < .001.

Conclusions Knowledge and attitudes toward concussion were positive. However, knowledge gaps and discrepancies between attitudes and behavior were identified. Consistent, clear messages are needed around return to sport timeframes.

Description
Keywords
Concussion; Brain injury; Head trauma; Sport; Cycling; Awareness
Source
Brain Injury, DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1793386
Rights statement
© 2020 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way.