Abstract
Concussion is a frequently occurring injury in rugby which is not usually reported
to coaches or medical staff. Recognition and treatment of concussion should be a priority;
however, education surrounding concussion knowledge and attitudes of the players have
been lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes
toward concussion in Western Province Rugby Union (WPRU) Super League senior club
rugby players. This study focused on gathering quantitative information from WPRU
club rugby players, using the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey-Student
Version (RoCKAS-ST). The correlation between the Concussion Attitude Index (CAI) and
Concussion Knowledge Index (CKI) was (r=0.14). The CKI average for the players was
(16.72±2.96). The participants answered 67% (16.72±2.96) of the CKI questions and
62% (46.54±5.75) of the CAI questions correctly. The participants demonstrated sufficient
knowledge of concussion, as well as safe attitudes toward concussion. A small number
of players lacked knowledge of symptoms and attitudes toward concussion, which may
have been influenced by the importance of games. Overall, the participants in this
study demonstrated superior knowledge and safe attitudes compared to other studies.
The current study found that the players had good knowledge and safe attitudes regarding
the severity of concussion.
Key words
concussion knowledge - head injuries - rugby union - club league - survey
