Postconcussion discharge advice does not improve concussion knowledge in a community sample

Abstract

ObjectivePoor concussion knowledge in the community has been linked to reduced injury identification. This study investigated if concussion knowledge could be improved by providing standard postinjury advice (written brochure).MethodsThis study was a prospective, controlled study, with random allocation of 199 Australian adults to receive either a concussion information (CI, n=101), or non-CI (n=98). All participants completed the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey on three occasions: pre-education and posteducation, and 1 week later.ResultsA 2 (condition) × 3 (occasion) mixed analysis of variance with concussion knowledge as the dependent variable did not find a statistically significant interaction (p>0.05). This result was unchanged: (1) with the covariate addition of background education and; (2) in a subgroup analysis (individuals with initially ‘low’ self-rated knowledge). Some key misconceptions about concussion were identified.ConclusionThe community knowledge of concussion was not significantly improved by the concussion advice. Since injury recognition relies ton an extent on community knowledge, the identified misconceptions should be addressed. This could occur via public health messaging. In clinical settings and for future research, the next steps should also include regular updating of concussion information to keep pace with advances in the field.

Research Letter: Concussion Knowledge Is Difficult to Predict From Self-Reported Exposure, Sports Participation, and Education

“…6(p47), 13,14 For the current study, a minor modification was made to the wording of 1 VS and 1 CKI item, and 1 VS item was replaced since the term "freshmen" is not widely used in Australia (see the study by Sullivan et al). 12 At the conclusion of the study, all participants received a token of thanks: either course credit or the opportunity to enter the draw for a single gift voucher valued at AUD $50.00.…”

“…The CKI items comprise 14 statements (eg, A concussion can only occur ... [from a] ... direct hit to the head ), 3 scenarios (application of knowledge), and 8 “commonly reported postconcussion symptoms.”6 (p47) The RoCKAS 3-item true-false VS has a total possible score of 3. A VS score of less than 2 is used to exclude participants for “poor/inconsistent effort.”6 (p47), 13,14 For the current study, a minor modification was made to the wording of 1 VS and 1 CKI item, and 1 VS item was replaced since the term “freshmen” is not widely used in Australia (see the study by Sullivan et al) 12. At the conclusion of the study, all participants received a token of thanks: either course credit or the opportunity to enter the draw for a single gift voucher valued at AUD $50.00.…”

“…The data were drawn from a larger study. 12 The parent study was about the effects of concussion education in people who completed a concussion knowledge test on 3 occasions (baseline, posteducation, and delayed test). The present study used only the baseline data.…”