Health-risk behaviors among high school athletes and preventive services provided during sports physicals

J Pediatr Health Care. 2015 Jan-Feb;29(1):17-27. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2014.05.007. Epub 2014 Jul 17.

Abstract

Introduction: Preparticipation examinations (PPEs), or sports physicals, present opportunities for health care providers to identify and discuss common adolescent health-risk behaviors. We sought to examine the prevalence of health-risk behaviors among high school athletes and the proportion of providers who address these behaviors during PPEs.

Method: For this descriptive study we used data from two statewide surveys: a survey of adolescents (n = 46,492) and a survey of nurse practitioners and physicians (n = 561).

Results: The most prevalent risk behaviors reported by student athletes were low levels of physical activity (70%), bullying perpetration (41%), and alcohol use (41%). Most providers (≥75%) addressed many common risk behaviors during PPEs but fewer addressed bullying, violence, and prescription drug use. Topics discussed differed by provider type and patient population.

Discussion: Many providers addressed critical threats to adolescent health during PPEs, but findings suggest potential disconnects between topics addressed during PPEs and behaviors of athletes.

Keywords: Adolescent; health education; preventive services; risk behavior; sports.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Alcohol Drinking / prevention & control
  • Athletes / psychology*
  • Bullying / prevention & control
  • Bullying / statistics & numerical data
  • Child
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Minnesota / epidemiology
  • Physical Examination / methods*
  • Risk-Taking*
  • School Health Services*
  • Sedentary Behavior
  • Sports*
  • Students / psychology