Exploring Minor Hockey Players' Knowledge About and Attitudes Toward Concussion: Implications for Prevention

• Author / Creator

  Perra, Andrea T

• Concussions in ice hockey are a serious public health concern, however too many athletes fail to recognize or report their symptoms. A survey was developed to assess minor hockey players’ concussion knowledge, attitudes, and reporting behaviour, as little is known from their perspective. Male and female Pee Wee, Bantam, and Midget level players (n = 183) and a comparison group of non-hockey players (n = 37) completed the questionnaire. Players had foundational knowledge about concussions, however over half underestimated the prevalence and over 30% were unaware of return to play (RTP) protocols. Although nearly all players knew what they “should” do when concussed, 18% did not follow recommendations. Players reported more concern and appreciation of the seriousness of concussion compared to non-players, but they tended to minimize their vulnerability. The most common and helpful information sources were parents, doctors, and coaches, therefore knowledge translation efforts should target theses audiences.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Attitudes
  • Knowledge translation
  • Prevention
  • Symptom reporting
  • Knowledge
  • Information sources
  • Behaviours
  • Concussions

• Graduation date

  Fall 2012

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Education

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3833H

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.