Parent knowledge of and attitudes towards youth sport-related concussion and associations with child and parent factors.

AIM: This cross-sectional study aimed to better understand parental knowledge and attitudes regarding pediatric sport-related concussions, and association with parent/child biopsychosocial factors.

METHODS

A community sample of ninety families (n = 140 children) were included. Parental concussion knowledge and attitudes, concussion history, sport participation and social risk status score (SRS) were collected.

RESULTS

Parents scored an average of 76% accuracy on factual concussion knowledge, with 74% confidence in responses. Parents endorsed a favorable attitude toward concussion reporting and management. Low SRS had higher perceived accuracy of knowledge than medium or high SRS (p = 0.003). SRS influenced over-and-underestimations of factual knowledge (p = .04). Age at first sport and sport contact level influenced factual and perceived concussion knowledge.

CONCLUSION

These findings identify common gaps in concussion knowledge in parents.