Evaluation and Characterization of Environmental Risks and Asthma Management Knowledge and Awareness Through Surveys of Coaches, Athlete Parents/Guardians, and Athletes

Abstract

Objective. Athletes may face unique barriers to asthma management and are exposed to many different environmental factors while playing sports. The authors’ goal was to study participation in sports and perceptions of environmental exposures (health risks) and barriers to asthma management for adolescent and young adult athletes. The need for asthma education among coaches was also investigated. Methods. This study targeted 3 populations: (a) coaches of middle school through college level athletes, (b) parents/guardians of middle school through college level athletes, and (c) college athletes. Online surveys were conducted anonymously. Questions addressed sport-specific asthma management barriers, perceived environmental exposures (health risks), athlete training intensities, and asthma knowledge and awareness among surveyed coaches. Results. There were 120 participants (26 coaches, 37 college athletes, 57 athlete parents/guardians). Most reported perceived environmental health concerns and potential barriers to asthma management for athletes, with 94% and 84% of participants reporting at least one, respectively. There were observed differences in the numbers of environmental health concerns and potential barriers to asthma management reported per person across surveyed populations depending on sport, training intensity, and athlete asthma status. The percentage of correct responses by coaches to 5 asthma knowledge questions ranged from 12% to 88%. Conclusions. Research should further investigate how to prioritize and develop interventions to address potential barriers to asthma management for adolescent athletes in both school and community parks and recreation facility settings. Additionally, solutions are needed to mitigate outdoor and indoor environmental health concerns of athletes. Coaches may benefit from increased asthma awareness and educational interventions aimed at improving asthma knowledge specific to athletics.