Assessing knowledge and attitudes towards sports-related concussion among university students in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Sports-related concussions (SRC) are a significant public health concern, especially among younger athletes. SRCs can lead to prolonged symptoms that interfere with academic performance and are frequently underreported, particularly in regions with limited awareness. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes towards concussions among university students in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 425 university students in Saudi Arabia. The Arabic version of the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey (RoCKAS-ST-A) was used to assess students' understanding of concussion symptoms and their attitudes towards concussion safety. Chi-square tests were used to analyse associations between sex, sports participation, and previous concussion education with the Concussion Knowledge Index (CKI) and Concussion Attitude Index (CAI).

Results: 38% of students demonstrated very high knowledge of concussion symptoms, while 48% showed moderate to high knowledge levels. 14% had limited awareness, with particular difficulty identifying symptoms such as sensitivity to light and "feeling in a fog." Chi-square analyses revealed significant associations between CKI scores and sex (φ = 0.154, p = 0.018) and sports participation (φ = 0.180, p = 0.003). CAI scores were significantly associated with sports participation (φ = 0.163, p = 0.010). Most students expressed cautious attitudes about concussions, but over 60% indicated they would continue playing sport even if experiencing symptoms.

Conclusion: Although university students in Saudi Arabia generally have good knowledge and attitudes towards concussion, there are notable gaps in symptom recognition and safe concussion behaviours. These findings highlight the need for targeted, region-specific concussion education programmes.