0 EP107 – Concussion – a major hidden danger in boxing

Background Concussion represents a major hidden danger in boxing. Adequate awareness and proper management remain crucial to the well-being of boxers. Objective To determine the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and their associations concerning concussions among boxers and trainers in a renowned boxing community. Design A cross-sectional survey design. Sampling methods :simple random ( boxing academies/gyms), stratified random (professionals & amateurs) and purposive(trainers) Setting The study was conducted in-person at the participating gyms. Participants 150participants(140 Boxers, 10 Trainers). Each affiliated with a participating gym.There were no respondent dropouts/replacements. Intervention/Risk Assessment A 26-question researcher-administered survey was piloted and employed. It comprised three sections:Knowledge, Attitude, Practices (KAP). KAP scores were individual predictors, graded using Blooms criteria. The survey spanned four months. Main Outcome Measurements Knowledge,attitude and practice(KAP) responses were measured using proportion analysis. Associations between KAP variables were examined using chi-square analysis. Results The study included 150 respondents: 140 boxers (93.3%) and 10 trainers (6.67%). The majority of boxers were aged 18–24 (46.7%), while trainers were predominantly aged 45–51 (80%). Most respondents had secondary education (83.6% boxers, 80% trainers). Both groups had low knowledge on concussion manifestation (73.6% boxers, 70% trainers had below 60%). Many associated concussion with abdominal pain (67%), diarrhea (65%), and chest pain (69%). Attitudes and practices were negative, evidenced by 76% adjudging concussion to only occur from a direct hit to the head. Only 1% of boxers visited the doctor regularly. 65% self-administered pain medication, out of which 49% were NSAIDs. There was an association between low knowledge and adjudging concussion only from direct head hits (p=0.047). Some previous education on boxing injuries didn't affect concussion knowledge levels (p=0.806). Conclusion The study underscores low concussion awareness, negative attitudes, and practices in the boxing community, urging immediate educational and tailored interventions needed to safeguard well-being.