Knowledge and Awareness of Sickle Cell Trait among NCAA Division I FBS, Division I FCS, Division II, and Division III Head Football Coaches and Strength and Conditioning Specialists

Abstract

specialists, 71 began the survey and 59 completed the knowledge section for a return rate of 6.2%, while only 49 (5.1%) completed the demographic section. There were twenty (40.8%) head football coaches and twenty-nine strength and conditioning specialists (59.2%). The majority of participants (40.8%, n=21) were from NCAA Division III and the least (14.3%, n=7) were from NCAA Division I FBS. Sixty-eight of the 71 participants who began the survey reported they had heard of SCT previously. The top three sources selected for where participants obtained knowledge of SCT were 1) certified athletic trainer (67.8%, n=40); 2) experience with an athlete (47.5%, n=28); and 3) college course (39.0%, n=23). The top three signs and symptoms selected that may be associated with SCT were 1) muscle weakness (72.9%, n=43); 2) sensation of cramping muscles (64.4%, n=38); and 3) sudden collapse (50.8%, n=30), which were all correct responses.