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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY, vol.9, no.12, pp.20-29, 2020 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
The sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk of young athletes at competitive level is higher compared to non-athletes but sports are trigger in the presence of a cardiovascular anomaly rather than a risk factor itself. So, the pre-participation screening (PPS) is crucial but the health system in Turkey is still insufficient. It is important for that the coaches understand the importance of PPS and recognize the symptoms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge of the coaches on SCD and PPS. This is a descriptive online-survey study for the youth league coaches in Turkey. At the end of the survey, a bullet-point type info sheath was provided to the participants. Knowledge of the participants were evaluated by true/false (T/F) and multiple-choice questions. Number of correct answers to 6 T/F questions is calculated as the T/F score and was a major outcome. Scores greater than 4 accepted as successful. Knowing the timing and frequency of PPS was the other major outcome. There were participants 335 from 47 cities and 22 branches (16.42% female, mean age was 36.56). 50.15% claimed being educated on the subject. Both the T/F score, and success rate in T/F questions were higher for coaches from universities other than sports sciences which is surprising (p=0.001). Correct answer rate for the timing and frequency of PPS was higher for the coaches who had further education after high school (p=0.016). Referral rate even for the cardiac symptoms such as chest pain was less than 90%. Referral to a physician for possibly risky symptoms is low, showing the lack of awareness. Knowledge is better for coaches' form universities other than sports sciences. Education on SCD and PPS should be implemented at all stages of coach education and the higher education of the coaches should be supported.