Key result
Prior mental illness linked to ~462% higher odds of preseason depression in elite rugby players.
Why the study?
What is the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and alcohol misuse in elite rugby league players over a competitive season?
Population
404 elite rugby league players in Australasia (preseason) and 278 players (in-season)
Design
Cross-sectional
Follow-up
Over a competitive season (preseason and in-season)
Authors
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Supports preseason depression screening for rugby players with mental illness history; cross-sectional data leave open seasonal anxiety, alcohol trends, and causality.
Cross-Sectional (n=404)
What is the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and alcohol misuse in elite rugby league players over a competitive season?
Odds Ratio: 5.62 (95% CI 2.62–12.04)
Elite rugby league players exhibit a lower prevalence of depression compared to the general population but have a higher prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder and high rates of hazardous alcohol use.
Preez et al. (2017) conducted a cross-sectional in Depression, anxiety, and alcohol misuse (n=404). History of mental illnesses vs. No history of mental illnesses was evaluated on Depression during preseason (OR 5.62, 95% CI 2.62-12.04). Elite rugby league players had a 12.6% preseason prevalence of depression, with a history of mental illness associated with 5.62 greater odds of depression (95% CI 2.62-12.04).
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