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ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and life stress in elite coaches. The secondary aim was to explore the associations of depressive symptoms and life stress with demographic and lifestyle variables.MethodsNational-level coaches were invited to participate in an online survey. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R). Life stress was measured using daily life hassle frequency and severity scores calculated from the Daily Hassles Questionnaire, with associations evaluated using linear regression.ResultsOf 110 potential participants, 69 completed and two partially completed surveys were received. The majority of respondents were male (77%), coaching individual sports (70%) and aged under 50 (71%). Overall, 14% of coaches reported at least moderate depressive symptoms according to the CESD-R. Those contemplating retirement were more likely to show depressive symptoms. Reported life stress was higher in females and in those contemplating retirement. There was a strong association between life stress and the odds of experiencing depressive symptoms (p=0.006).ConclusionsDepressive symptoms are as prevalent in elite coaches as in general population, with potential risk factors including high levels of life stress and impending retirement.

Health is a pre-requisite for optimal performance yet the parameters which govern health and performance of elite female athletes are little understood. The aim of this study was to quantify the health status of elite female athletes, and understand sociocultural factors influencing that status. The survey addressed demographic, health and athletic performance history, training load, contraceptive use, sport-specific appearance and performance pressures, and communication barriers. Three hundred and fifty-seven elite New Zealand female athletes were recruited to complete an on-line survey. Two hundred and nineteen athletes completed the survey. Oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea had been diagnosed in only 12% of athletes compared with 50% of athletes not on hormonal contraception who reported symptoms consistent with this diagnosis. Stress fractures and iron deficiency were common and associated with oligomenorrhoea/amenorrhea (P = 0.002), disordered eating (P = 0.009) or menorrhagia (P = 0.026). Athletes involved in individual sports (P = 0.047) and with higher training volumes (P < 0.001) were more likely to report a medical illness. Seventy-three percent of athletes felt pressured by their sport to alter their physical appearance to conform to gender ideals with 15% engaging in disordered eating practices. Barriers to communicating female health issues included male coaches and support staff, and lack of quality information pertaining to health. Elite female athletes may fail to reach peak performance due to specific health issues and undiagnosed pathology. Sociocultural factors influence the effectiveness of support of female's health and performance. Organizational and cultural change is required if elite female athletes are to combine optimal health with best performance.

BackgroundDepression is a significant health issue. Recent athlete studies suggest depression is of similar prevalence to the general population, with risk factors such as retirement, concussion, and severe injury reported. The prevalence and identifiable risk factors amongst elite New Zealand athletes is unknown with no previous research in this field.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of self-reported symptoms of depression and daily life hassles in elite New Zealand athletes.DesignA cross-sectional prospective epidemiological study.SettingThe online anonymous survey was administered during a 2-month period from May to July 2015.Patients (or Participants)All current NZ athletes>18 years from funded sports invited. 210 started the questionnaire, with 187 completing all responses. Only complete responses analysed.Main Outcome MeasurementsDemographic and health history obtained. Symptoms of depression were measured by the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale- Revised (CESD-R). Life stress measured by the Daily Hassles Questionnaire.Results21% (n=39) reported symptoms of moderate depression. Of these 40% met the criteria for a Major Depressive Episode. Only 2 of the 39 athletes were currently taking an anti-depressant medication. Those contemplating retirement,and partaking in individual sport had significantly increased odds of experiencing depression with young age also associated. Reported life stressors were higher in females, individual sports, those in partial employment and in a centralized programme. Troubling thoughts about their future, and concerns about meeting high standards were the highest reported life stress. There was a significant correlation between higher level of life stress and experiencing depressive symptomsConclusionThis study supports that depressive symptoms are prevalent in elite New Zealand athletes. Multiple risk factors have been identified pertaining to symptoms of depression and life stressors. These concepts and variables warrant further exploration to enable appropriate screening and support for elite athletes.

The outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil, the associated complication of microcephaly, and the evolving understanding of virus transmission created significant uncertainty for NZ Olympic team members. The proactive approach taken by the health team to the mitigation of risk, combined with the anticipated low risk of arbovirus transmission over the period of the games, resulted in enhanced confidence from team members and no reports of positive serology.

Menstrual disorders are frequent in female athletes, especially those participating at the elite level. Factors which may contribute to impaired ovarian function in athletes include high training volumes, eating disorders and/or low body weight, which in turn may interrupt GnRH signaling. Hormonal contraception may disguise underlying menstrual disorders, and athlete use of such approaches is common, despite limited data on whether hormonal control has positive, neutral or negative effects on athletic performance. To determine the prevalence of hormonal contraceptive use, as well as the prevalence of menstrual disorders, in New Zealand elite female athletes, we completed a national internet-based survey of 219 participants being supported by High Performance Sport New Zealand. The survey aimed to characterize the demographics, health and athletic performance history, the training load and contraceptive use. We found that athletes were training intensely, with 38% reporting training volumes of >70 hours/month. At the youngest age represented (15-19 years), 72% had been in competitive sports for more than 5 years, suggesting a young gynecological age is represented by the cohort. More than half (58%, 127/219) of the surveyed athletes reported diagnosed illness or injuries. Stress fractures (39% 50/127), concussion (31%, 39/127) and asthma (26%, 33/127) were the most common diagnoses, followed by oligo/amenorrhea (20%, 26/127), reduced energy deficit syndrome (9%, 17/194), endometriosis (8%, 16/194), and polycystic ovary syndrome (5%, 9/194). Oligomenorrhea was significantly associated with stress fracture (p=0.018) and disordered eating (p=0.009). More than 50% of athletes tracked their menstrual cycle, and self-reporting showed even higher rates of oligo/amenorrhea 37% (29/79) in athletes not using hormonal contraception. Self-reporting also indicated a high prevalence of other menstrual disorders including delayed menarche (21%,43/207), menorrhagia (30%, 60/203), and dysmenorrhea (32%, 66/203). In athletes reporting menorrhagia, there was a significant association with iron deficiency (p=0.026). Of the 219 athletes, 37% were currently using hormonal contraception, of which the oral combined pill was the most popular (64%). The most commonly cited reason for hormonal contraception was birth control, however athletes used hormonal control to manipulate either the frequency (38%) or the symptoms (29%) of menstruation, particularly around competition. The data clearly suggests that there is likely to be significant undiagnosed gynecological pathology in elite female athletes. Hormonal contraception can mask gynecological health issues and themselves can lead to side effects that affect performance. It remains that health issues, especially those related to gynecological health, need to be considered by athletes, their coaches and medical support staff.

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