Source: sadlersports.com - Fear of Concussions in Youth Sports
Author: John M. Sadler
More effort in awareness and education needed
The anxiety level among Americans regarding concussions was found to be quite high according to a recent online survey. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center conducted the survey among 2012 Americans over the age of 18. The results highlight the myths and misunderstanding about concussions.
Nearly 90% of those surveyed consider concussions to be a moderate to severe health concern. Nearly one-third of parents said they fear their child will suffer a concussion, and 25% do not allow their children to play contact sports because they fear they’ll suffer a concussion.
Ironically, 26% of the parents surveyed did not seek medical treatment when someone in their family suffered a concussion. Worse, 81% of those surveyed said they would not know the steps to take in treating a concussion if they sustained one.
More statistics from the survey:
- 87% did not know the definition of a concussion, and 37% admit to being confused as to what a concussion actually is.
- 58% could not identify headache or dizziness as immediate symptoms of a concussion.
- Only 34% understand that fatigue is also a symptom and just 13% know that mood changes can also be the result of a concussion.
- 79% of adults incorrectly think concussions are incurable and that the symptoms can only be managed.
Decreasing the level of fear
Fear of concussion among many parents is affecting their decision to permit their children to participate in contact sports. While there has been much progress in educating coaches, trainers, parents and players about concussion risk management and treatment, there’s much work to be done.
Sports are a healthy physical and social activity for children and teens, and fear of injury should not prevent them from participating. Concussions are treatable and when properly managed, athletes can return to play. “With careful evaluation and treatment by a well-trained specialist, even the most complex injuries are manageable,” says Erin Reynolds, fellowship director of UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program.
Click here for the full survey results. We have more articles on concussions on our blog and offer free concussion risk management material in our risk management library.
Source: Susan Manko, “Are American Parents Too Afraid of Concussions?” futurity.org. 05 Oct, 2015.
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