A-98 Public Misconceptions about Concussion Are Not Improved by Standard Post-Injury Advice

Abstract

Objective Insufficient public knowledge of concussion is thought to contribute to poor injury recognition and management, particularly in community sports. It is not clear whether such knowledge can be improved by standard post-injury discharge advice. This study determined if a widely used concussion leaflet would improve concussion knowledge in a community sample of adults. Method Prospective, controlled study, with random allocation to advice conditions. One hundred and ninety-nine Australian adults received either concussion (CA, n = 101) or non-concussion advice (NCA, n = 98). All volunteers completed the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey (RoCKAS) on three occasions (baseline, immediately post-advice, and after a one-week delay). Standard scores were derived, including for the 25-item Concussion Knowledge Index. Results A 2 (condition) X 3 (occasion) mixed ANOVA did not find a statistically significant interaction or any main effects on concussion knowledge (p < 0.05). On all three occasions, both groups obtained a RoCKAS total score of ~80% correct; but they also held some key misconceptions about concussion. Conclusions Compared to giving non-concussion information, public knowledge of concussion was not significantly improved by the concussion advice. The leaflet may not have conveyed the information needed to improve test scores, or the baseline performance of the groups could have suppressed the effect. Since correct injury recognition and management relies on community knowledge, alternate means of improving public knowledge of concussion should be explored. Concussion advisories should also be reviewed to ensure they can correct public misconceptions about concussion.