An Examination of the Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Concussions in Texas High School and Junior High Coaches

Abstract

Every state in the United States mandates concussion education annually or biennially for those involved in organized youth sports to improve awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward concussions. The purpose of this study was to examine Texas high school and junior high school coaches’ knowledge of and attitudes toward concussions using the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey—Coaches Version. Among all analyzed participants, the mean overall concussion knowledge index (Concussion Knowledge Index = 0–25) was 21 (SD = 1.79), while the overall concussion attitude index (Concussion Attitude Index = 15–75) was 63 (SD = 5.69). No significant differences for knowledge or attitude were found between gender, coaching level, sport type, geographical location, or school size (all p > .10). Mandatory concussion education has resulted in high levels of knowledge about and favorable attitudes toward concussions in Texas junior high school and high school coaches, with similar findings to other research in this area.