Certified Athletic Trainers Knowledge And Perception Of Professional Preparation Involving Eating Disorders Among Athletes

It was unclear in the current research how Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) perceived their professional preparation about eating disorders and disordered eating. Purpose The purpose of this study was to establish how ATCs perceived their professional preparation, knowledge, and educational background in managing eating disorders among athletes. Methods A 42 item web based survey was specifically created for this study and disseminated to certified members of the NATA. The survey was disseminated to 14,477 certified NATA members. The response rate was n=1966, with a mean age 31.87±7.82. This survey consisted of an 11 question demographics section, 13 Likert (1–7) scale questions, 4 “check all that apply” questions, 11 yes/no questions, 2 “fill in the best answer” and 1 “check one that applies” question. The 8 construct areas investigated in this survey included: 1) demographic information, 2) confidence in identifying and approaching athletes with eating disorders, 3) attitude toward the importance of professional preparation and education about eating disorders, 4) perception of responsibility to athletes with eating disorders, 5) perception of eating disorder prevalence, 6) knowledge and recognition of eating disorders, 7) continuing education about eating disorders, and 8) referral and management techniques of eating disorders. The internal consistency reliability was estimated to be r= 0.61. Face validity for the survey was established through a comprehensive literature review. The content validity was established through the critique of four experts from the health education and athletic training profession. Statistical analysis included frequency analysis of survey items. Results Our results suggest ATCs believed that they do not receive enough professional preparation or education in dealing with eating disordered athletes. Despite this finding, they also believed it was their responsibility to identify and deal with these eating disordered athletes. There seemed to be a discrepancy between the amount that ATCs wanted to help the athletes and how much education and knowledge they had in managing eating disordered athletes. Conclusions The overall findings suggest a definite need and desire for continuing education about eating disorders. ATCs would be receptive to more readily available continuing education resources and professional preparation in the area of eating disorders.