Date of Conferral
8-16-2024
Date of Award
August 2024
Degree
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
School
Public Health
Advisor
Patrick Dunn
Abstract
Concussions are a major public health issue that impacts a variety of persons. Cheerleading is an emerging popular sport that has seen increased participation. Minimal information about cheerleading and concussions is known. This study aimed to investigate sustaining a concussion as a cheerleader while accounting for demographics (age, race, and gender), mechanism of injury, and injury setting. The precaution adoption process model was the theoretical framework for this study. Chi-square analysis and binary logistic regression were applied to address research questions. Data from 3,536 patients were obtained from the 2018-2022 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Findings indicated there were associations between demographics and cheerleaders diagnosed with concussions, but no association between mechanism of injury or injury setting. White females as they get older and gain more skills are more likely to get concussions. Implications for positive social change include contributing evidence that supports public health professionals by helping to promote awareness about risks regarding getting concussions as cheerleaders and encourage prevention to improve health outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Hampton, Jazmin, "Concussions and Their Relationship with Cheerleading" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16395.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16395
