Abstract
Introduction
Concussion affects one’s ability to function in everyday life, and many students who suffer from related symptoms have difficulty adjusting to the academic and social demands of college. The purpose of this study was to examine college students’ knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors regarding concussion.
Methods
This cross-sectional study took place at a suburban university in the northeastern United States during fall semester 2019, in a public health elective core curriculum course.
Results
A total of 416 students responded (response rate 85%). Regarding having a close experience with concussion, 59.1% of participants had a family member or friend who had sustained a concussion, and 20.7% had a personal history of concussion. Students who reported ever playing a sport were more likely to report a personal history of concussion (p<0.001). Students with a personal or family history of concussion were more likely to report currently playing and having ever played a sport (p≤0.003). Female participants were less likely to report that they engage in contact sports (p<0.001) and more likely to report always being careful with physical activities so as to avoid head injuries (p=0.003). Many students reported never wearing a helmet when engaging in high-risk behaviors, but most students reported they would seek medical treatment for a suspected concussion.
Conclusions
Universities would benefit on many levels from an active education and prevention campaign, removing the possible peer stigma associated with admitting to a concussion, and seeking appropriate cognitive, linguistic, and communication treatments and academic accommodations to facilitate ongoing learning.
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CHB and BK conceptualized the study. SA handled data collection and SM handled data analysis.
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This study was approved by the institutional review board at William Paterson University.
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All study participants consented to participate given this statement. This survey concerns knowledge, behaviors, and beliefs about concussions. I understand that my participation is voluntary, and I may stop completing the survey at any time. I do not have to answer any question(s) I choose not to answer, and I may stop taking the survey at any time. Risks associated with me completing this survey have been explained to me and I accept them. I understand that my identity is not requested and will not be revealed in any way through my participation in this study. The results will not be reported in a way that will reveal individual participants. Completing this survey indicates my informed consent.
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Basch, C.H., Kollia, B., MacLean, S.A. et al. Concussion Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors among University Students: Implications for Faculty and Staff. J Public Health (Berl.) 31, 731–738 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-021-01594-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-021-01594-y