Factors associated with parental knowledge and attitudes toward pediatric concussions in Korea.

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the status and evaluated factors associated with knowledge and attitudes regarding pediatric concussions among Korean parents of children aged 6 to 18 years.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was employed to collect data from a panel of parents in Korea in 2023. To assess knowledge and attitudes regarding concussions, participants completed a validated questionnaire. The outcome variables of total knowledge score (range, 0-30) and total attitude score (range, 7-49) were categorized into tertiles. We conducted multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses with participants and their children based on demographic information and characteristics as covariates.

Results: A total of 260 parents responded to the survey and demonstrated moderate concussion-related knowledge (median total score, 21; interquartile range [IQR], 18-22.5). The respondents exhibited favorable attitudes toward concussions (median total score, 39; IQR, 34-43), except the attitude of the importance of reporting concussion. Multivariable ordinal regression analysis for outcomes revealed only career of healthcare provider (adjusted odds ratio, 3.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-8.75) to be associated with parental concussion-related knowledge. No factors exhibited a significant association with parental attitudes toward concussions.

Conclusion: Our results confirmed the knowledge-attitude gap regarding pediatric concussions among Korean parents. Effective strategies are warranted to improve parental knowledge and attitudes.