Perceived social norms and concussion-disclosure behaviours among first-year NCAA student-athletes: implications for concussion prevention and education

ABSTRACT

Timely disclosure and identification of concussion symptoms are essential to proper care. Perceived social norms are a potential driving factor in many health-related decisions. The study purpose was to describe concussion disclosure behaviours and identify the association between perceived social norms and these disclosure behaviours. First-year student-athletes (n = 391) at two NCAA institutions completed a cross-sectional survey about concussion disclosure and disclosure determinants. Log-binomial regression models identified factors associated with concussion disclosure behaviour prevalence for: higher intention to disclose symptoms, disclosed all at time of injury, eventually disclosed all, and never participated with concussion symptoms.

More favourable perceived social norms were associated with higher prevalence of intention to disclose (PR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.18, 1.53) and higher prevalence of never participating in sports with concussion symptoms (PR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.07, 2.10). Clinicians, coaches, sports administrators, and healthcare practitioners should be mindful of the need to create supportive social environments to improve concussion symptom disclosure.

KEYWORDS:

• Reporting
• education
• concussion recognition
• brain
• NCAA

Disclosure statement

Dr. Register-Mihalik has received research funding (to institution) from the Centers for Disease Control, the Mind Matters Research Challenge, NOCSAE, National Athletic Trainers' Association Foundation, and the National Football League and is a member of USA Football's Football Development Council.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the NCAA-DOD Mind Matters Research Challenge Award [n/a].