Background: Regular physical activity decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, and diabetes. However, it is not always safe, and both elite and regular sport individuals are at risk of sports injury. Thereby, this study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude (KA) of the general population regarding sports injuries in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among the general population of Saudi Arabia through a pre-determined structured questionnaire translated into Arabic and distributed using an online platform. It contained two parts: socio-demographic characteristics and the assessment of KA toward sports injury and its management.
Results: The prevalence of sports injuries in this study was 23.7%. Moderate, poor, and good KAs were detected in 75.3%, 15.1%, and 9.6% of the participants, respectively (mean = 12.1 ± 3.44). In the multivariate regression model, the factors associated with poor KA were female sex [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.468; confidence interval (CI) = 1.195-1.802; p < 0.001], living in the southern region (AOR = 3.113; CI = 1.985-4.882; p < 0.001), being overweight or obese (AOR = 2.483; CI = 1.831-3.367; p < 0.001), and having a history of sports injury (AOR = 1.378; CI = 1.084-1.752; p = 0.009).
Conclusion: KA toward sports injuries was moderate. Female sex, overweight or obesity, living in the southern region, and having previous experience of sports injury were factors that directly affected KA toward sports injuries. Educational campaigns are recommended to improve the knowledge regarding sports injuries and could be a way to encourage healthy habits and regular physical activities.
Key words: Sports injury, knowledge, attitude, general population, Saudi Arabia, national
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