Concussion Awareness Training Tool for Youth: Impact on Concussion Knowledge, Beliefs, and Reporting Intentions

Abstract

Background Concussion education is recommended to increase concussion knowledge, beliefs, and reporting intentions. The Concussion Awareness Training Tool for Youth (CATT-Youth) is a 40-minute e-Learning module developed for high school–aged youth. Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in concussion knowledge, beliefs, and reporting intentions in high school youth from Calgary, Canada, following completion of the CATT-Youth Methods This study used a modified stepped-wedge trial design. High school classes were randomly assigned to an intervention (Ix) or delayed intervention (DIx) group. Ix group participants completed a pre-CATT survey immediately followed by the CATT-Youth, then a post-CATT survey 2 to 6 weeks later. DIx group participants completed two pre-CATT surveys 2 to 6 weeks apart, with the CATT-Youth completed immediately following the second pre-CATT, then a post-CATT survey 2 to 6 weeks later. The pre-/post-CATT survey encompassed 11 subtests evaluating concussion knowledge, beliefs, and reporting intentions. Independent mixed linear regression models were conducted to examine changes in scores for each subtest. Results Participants included 454 high school students: five Ix schools (16 classes, n = 323) and two DIx schools (six classes, n = 131). The CATT-Youth significantly increased general concussion knowledge, Ix δ = 0.546/8 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.243, 0.849]), DIx δ = 0.728/8 (95% CI = [0.389, 1.106]), and beliefs about capabilities, Ix δ = 2.462/28 (95% CI = [1.086, 3.838]), DIx δ = 3.219/28 (95% CI = [1.594, 4.844]) for both groups. For some subtests, improvements were noted in the DIx group only. Conclusion The CATT-Youth module improved concussion knowledge and beliefs about capabilities for students in both groups. Future studies should explore the utility of the CATT-Youth in changing knowledge, beliefs, and reporting intentions in high school students.