@article{ref1,
title="An evaluation of Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) athletes' self-reported practice of playing while concussed, knowledge about and attitudes towards sports-related concussion",
journal="International journal of adolescent medicine and health",
year="2016",
author="Sullivan, Lindsay and Thomas, Audrey Alforque and Molcho, Michal",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND/AIM: Sports-related concussions are now recognized as a major public health concern. However, despite the association of concussion with short- and long-term health consequences, many young athletes still lack basic knowledge about concussion and seem to believe that concussions may be &quot;toughed out&quot; and do not require medical attention. This study assessed self-reported practice of playing in training or a match while concussed among Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) athletes in Ireland aged 13-25 years old (M=19.19, SD=3.54). This study also assessed knowledge about and attitudes towards sports-related concussion in GAA players in Ireland. <br><br>METHODS: Using a self-report questionnaire, data were captured electronically on GAA athletes aged 13-25 years old (n=80) regarding knowledge about the detection, assessment and management of sports-related concussion, as well as participant's attitudes towards concussion and self-reported practice of playing in training or a match while concussed. Data were collected from June to August 2013. <br><br>RESULTS: This study revealed that approximately one in four athletes reported having played while concussed in practice or during a match. Males were significantly more likely to play while concussed than females (40.9% and 17.2%, respectively). <br><br>RESULTS from this study indicated participants lack a complete understanding of concussion, as common misconceptions about concussion prevailed. Analyses revealed that participants generally have safe attitudes towards concussion and concussion management. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Generating awareness of the potential short- and long-term health consequences of concussion, coupled with the promotion of safer attitudes towards this injury, could minimize the number of players who return-to-play pre-maturely and promote a more safety-conscious sports culture in Ireland.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0334-0139",
doi="10.1515/ijamh-2015-0084",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2015-0084"
}