Descriptive Statistics In Concussions ✓ Solved

DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS IN CONCUSSIONS 9 Descriptive Statistics

To complete each search, the link was selected and the ProQuest Nursing option was chosen. The first search was conducted by using the underlined word in the article selected. The article selected was, Demographic, parental, and personal factors and youth athletes' concussion-related knowledge and beliefs. The word concussion was typed in the search box. The search options used were full text, peer reviewed, last 12 months, and English.

The results were the following: The first search using the underlined word concussion and the above listed search options resulted with 374 results. The next two searches were completed with the same parameters and a portion of the article name. The results were the following: The first search contained a portion of the article with the words, youth athletes' concussion-related knowledge and beliefs. 9 results were found: The second search contained a portion of the article with the words, demographic, parental, and personal factors and youth athletes' concussion. 2 results were found: To find the actual article, the 12-month date range had to be removed. Even with the full article title, 20 results were found.

Appropriate diagnosis and management of children and teens with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussion, can help safeguard our youth. Unfortunately, at this time, there are no U.S. guidelines that help clinicians determine the best and appropriate care. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2014 there were approximately 2.87 million TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the US, including over 837,000 of these health events among children. These injuries are complex and difficult to manage, and keeping our youth healthy is a top priority.

Being knowledgeable about sport-related brain injuries and concussions can help minimize the risk of serious and deadly effects. With significant attention focused on improving care of youth traumatic brain injuries and concussions, it is alarming that little research has been done to examine young athletes’ concussion knowledge and the factors that influence it. In the article, Demographic, Parental, and Personal Factors and Youth Athletes’ Concussion-Related Knowledge and Beliefs, descriptive statistics were used to examine the concussion-knowledge totals, individual knowledge questions, and concussion-perception questions.

The research design included a cross-sectional survey of youth athletes participating in community sports or on middle school sports teams. A convenience sample was performed on 225 North Carolina and Arizona youth athletes, ages 8 to 15, and active in boys or girls football, soccer, ice hockey, or lacrosse. A total of 234 parents of the same youth athletes were also surveyed. The survey captured data on youth athletes’ and parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about concussion, recognition, response, and the need to seek care.

The basics of the study include demographic characteristics broken down by state, sex, sport, concussion education, and concussion history. Frequency percentages included data from both states—Arizona and North Carolina—both sexes—male and female—and various sports categories. Although this information is the basis of the study, understanding the demographic characteristics and frequency is crucial to understand where and how the data was collected. This survey can be considered biased as it focuses on only four sports and a restricted age range from two states. Additionally, as a convenience sample, it encompasses non-probability sampling and might not represent the entire population.

The disadvantage of this type of survey is that the results may under or over-represent the population and should be approached with caution. Data Displays were collected, and frequency tables were utilized to organize and display data. To provide a more visual understanding of the demographic characteristics and frequency, bar graphs could be employed. Sometimes data is displayed with totals that exceed 100 percent due to variable class sizes. Therefore, using a bar graph or Pareto chart, which sorts bars from largest to smallest, could enhance readability and understanding of the data.

Personally, the article, Demographic, Parental, and Personal Factors and Youth Athletes’ Concussion-Related Knowledge and Beliefs, resonates with me as a mother to a twelve-year-old boy who actively participates in football and basketball. This background intensifies my awareness of the risks, signs, symptoms, and necessary care associated with sports-related brain injuries or concussions. I recognize the importance of informing not only parents but youth athletes, teachers, school administrators, health professionals, and coaches about recognizing and responding appropriately to signs and symptoms of concussions.

My son has a high tolerance for pain, which raises concerns about my ability to recognize when he needs care. Educating youth about recognizing, responding to, and seeking help for concussions can significantly mitigate potential long-term damage and fatal outcomes.

Paper For Above Instructions

Descriptive statistics involve summarizing and organizing data to understand patterns and insights that inform clinical practices, especially in the realm of sports-related injuries such as concussions. The research on youth athletes’ concussion-related knowledge and beliefs underscores the urgency of a comprehensive approach to concussion management and awareness. Factors such as demographic characteristics, parental attitudes, and participation in contact sports play vital roles in shaping the understanding and recognition of concussions among young athletes.

As illustrated in the studies conducted, detection and management of concussions necessitate not only a solid medical foundation but also education and advocacy among parents, coaches, and athletes. A significant portion of athletic injuries among youth often goes unreported, leading to long-term repercussions in health. Addressing these issues through descriptive statistics can optimize intervention strategies, empowering stakeholders with vital knowledge to protect youth from TBI and related complications.

The current guidelines on observing and responding to concussions underline the need for uniformity in practice and policy. As the CDC (2020) reports a significant number of TBI cases, it's imperative to create standardized training for all athletic personnel and participants to recognize the signs of concussion early and take appropriate measures. These frameworks can provide a safety net for young athletes and raise awareness of the potential severity behind seemingly innocuous injuries.

The socio-economic and cultural backgrounds represented in such studies often reflect variances in knowledge and trust in medical advice. Targeted education campaigns that consider these differences could lead to improved outcomes, ensuring that all youth athletes receive appropriate care regardless of their demographics. Furthermore, understanding local sports environments and community-specific cultural challenges can help in tailoring educational materials and interventions.

Another critical aspect is engaging parents in the education process. A comprehensive program that includes athletes, parents, and coaches is necessary. Parents must understand their central role in concussion management, from recognizing symptoms to encouraging their children to seek care. When parents are knowledgeable, they can promote a culture of safety within youth sports organizations, thereby helping in early detection and treatment of concussions.

Significant emphasis is placed on the performance of youth athletes in competitive sports, but there must be a balance between competitiveness and safety. Awareness programs should include information about the dangers associated with prioritizing performance over health. Parents and coaches alike should understand that while youth sports encourage physical activity and teamwork, no victory is worth compromising the long-term health of a child.

Tools such as frequency tables and bar graphs are essential in communicating findings effectively. They allow researchers to present significant data trends, including responses to concussion symptom recognition and attitudes towards seeking help. Visual data representation increases comprehension among non-scientific audiences, ensuring community members understand the importance of concussion education.

In conclusion, a well-informed community is pivotal in protecting youth athletes from concussions. Descriptive statistics serve as a foundational tool in assessing knowledge gaps, understanding demographic influences, and refining intervention strategies to promote awareness and safety. Therefore, a collaborative effort among medical professionals, educators, and families is essential to foster an environment that prioritizes youth health over athletic performance, ultimately reducing the incidence of concussions and their long-term consequences.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Surveillance report of traumatic brain injury-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths—United States, 2014.
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