Concussion Reporting Intentions Among Division I Football Players: Consideration of Individual-Level and Team-Level Predictors

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the individual-and team-level factors associated with concussion reporting intentions using a hierarchical linear model. Methods:In this multi-site cross-sectional study, 248 athletes from three different National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football programs completed a post-season questionnaire that assessed individual-level predictors of concussion reporting intentions: self-efficacy, norms about concussion reporting, and negative reporting attitudes. A hierarchical linear model analysis was used to examine the clustered data.Results: Nineteen percent of the variability in concussion reporting intentions was attributable to football program membership, leaving 81% of the variability in concussion reporting intentions predicted by individual-level variables. When adjusting for age and controlling for team-level influences, reporting attitudes and self-efficacy of reporting were significant predictors of concussion reporting intentions. Conclusions:Controlling for team-level factors, concussion reporting intentions were most strongly and significantly predict-From the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training (MRL, DIC), Psychological Sciences (HAW, AHH), and W. A. Franke College of Business (AHH),