Youth Athletes' Parents' Perceptions and Knowledge of the Athletic Training Profession

Abstract

Context Parents have unique roles in advocating for their child's health and safety. Such advocacy can improve student-athletes' access to athletic trainers (ATs), yet few researchers have investigated the perceptions of student-athletes' parents regarding athletic training. Objective To explore parents' perceptions of athletic training and evaluate their knowledge regarding the AT's role. Design Concurrent mixed-methods study. Setting Web-based questionnaire. Patients or Other Participants Parents affiliated with USA Football representing 36 states (n = 316: men = 53.5%, women = 46.1%; average age = 45.6 ± 6.2 years [age provided = 291]) were included. Main Outcome Measure(s) An online questionnaire was developed and distributed via Qualtrics. The questionnaire contained demographic questions, quantitative items assessing perceived value and knowledge of athletic training, and open-ended questions to provide opportunities for expansion. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the demographic data. Quantitative measures were presented as count and percentage responses. Open-ended responses were analyzed using the general inductive approach, and overall perceptions were supported with participant quotes. Results Of 10 763 parents, 390 completed the questionnaire (3.6% response rate, 74.8% completion rate). Of the 390, 316 had a child in high school. Approximately 67% (n = 213) of respondents considered an AT a trusted source of medical information and “extremely valuable” to student-athletes' health and safety. The questionnaire response injury prevention was frequently recognized (n = 307, 97.2%) as a skill ATs perform, followed by first aid/wound care (91.8%) and therapeutic interventions (82.3%). Parents highlighted the AT's role in immediate care and attributed peace of mind and feelings of comfort to having a health care professional readily available for their children. Conclusions When asked directly and when discussing their effect on student-athlete health and safety, parents valued ATs. Though various qualifications of ATs were recognized, parents emphasized the importance of having someone immediately available to provide care if and when needed. Educational efforts should focus on ATs as the most qualified health care professionals to provide comprehensive medical care to student-athletes in both urgent and nonurgent situations.