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Keywords

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Abstract

Introduction: Concussions are a serious concern in sports medicine because of their potential long-term effects on cognitive and neurological health. However, many athletes, especially those from minority groups, hesitate to report symptoms due to fears of being sidelined, pressure to keep playing, and challenges like limited access to education, language barriers, and distrust in healthcare systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the barriers to concussion reporting among Division I collegiate athletes, with a particular focus on demographic differences, particularly racial and ethnic disparities. The goal was to identify key factors that hinder self-reporting and to propose strategies for improving concussion education and management for underrepresented athletes. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a survey-based design to gather data on athletes' attitudes, perceived barriers, and concussion reporting behaviors. The study was conducted within the athletic program of a Division I college to ensure a diverse sample of collegiate athletes. The setting allowed for an examination of how concussion reporting behaviors differ among athletes from various demographic backgrounds. The study targeted Division I collegiate athletes, with a focus on racial and ethnic minorities. The primary intervention was an online survey developed to assess attitudes toward concussion reporting, perceived barriers to self-reporting, and awareness of concussion-related risks. The main outcome measure was the athletes' likelihood of self-reporting concussion symptoms, as measured by responses to survey questions regarding perceived barriers such as fear of removal from play, lack of educational resources, and mistrust in healthcare systems Participants were recruited with a QR code placed within athletic facilities. The final sample included 14 athletes. Approximately 50% of participants were male, and 50% were female. Results: The study found that African American athletes were much less likely to report symptoms compared to White or Hispanic/Latino athletes. A Chi-square (alpha value of .05, χ2(2) = 6.12, p = .047) and Fisher’s exact test (alpha value of .05, p = .033) both reported significance between race/ethnicity and the participant choosing not report symptoms.100% of African American athletes cited fear of losing playing time as the main reason. Overall, 50% of all athletes indicated they would not report a concussion due to concerns about losing playing time or facing negative consequences. Translation to Practice: This study highlights the unique barriers to concussion reporting faced by minority athletes, particularly racial and ethnic differences in attitudes toward healthcare and self-reporting. Addressing these barriers is critical for improving concussion management in sports. Tailored concussion education programs and culturally sensitive healthcare strategies are needed to ensure equitable care and timely intervention for all athletes.

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