Key result
Female adolescent athletes report ~6x higher anxiety rates than males alongside elevated depression and ADHD.
Why the study?
Mental health problems are particularly relevant in competing adolescent athletes, making the understanding of gender-specific patterns crucial for targeted interventions.
What is the prevalence and gender difference of mental health problems among Croatian adolescent competing athletes?
Cross-Sectional (n=674)
What is the prevalence and gender difference of mental health problems among Croatian adolescent competing athletes?
Absolute Event Rate: 22.7% vs 3.8%
p-value: p=<0.001
Female adolescent athletes in Croatia experience significantly higher rates of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD, compared to their male counterparts.
May warrant screening female adolescent athletes for mental health issues; leaves open causality and generalizability.
This study examines the prevalence of mental health problems among Croatian adolescent competing athletes, with a focus on gender differences. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and attention deficiency hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are particularly relevant in this population due to the combined and simultaneous challenges of competitive sport and adolescence. Understanding gender-specific patterns is crucial for targeted interventions. A cross-sectional study involved 674 Croatian athletes (418 men, 256 women) aged 16–24 years from 43 sports. Data were collected using the Sports Mental Health Assessment Tool (SMHAT-1), which assessed 12 mental health concerns. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, effect size analysis with Cramér’s V, and power analysis were performed. The results showed significant gender-specific differences. Female athletes reported higher rates of anxiety (22.7% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.001), depression (25.4% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001), alcohol use (27.0% vs. 7.7%, p < 0.001), ADHD (18.8% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.001), and post-traumatic stress disorder (8.2% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001) compared to males. Gender-specific mental health interventions are crucial for improving sport performance and injury prevention. Further research should refine strategies to address vulnerabilities associated with gender and competitive sport environments.
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Sore et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Mental health problems (n=674). Female athletes vs. Male athletes was evaluated on Anxiety (p=<0.001). Female adolescent athletes reported significantly higher rates of anxiety (22.7% vs 3.8%), depression (25.4% vs 5.3%), and ADHD (18.8% vs 2.4%) compared to male athletes (all p<0.001).
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