Factors associated with parental knowledge and attitudes toward pediatric concussions in Korea

Objective This study investigated the status and evaluated factors associated with knowledge and attitudes regarding pediatric concussions among Korean parents of children aged 6 to 18 years. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was employed to collect data from a panel of parents in Korea in 2023. To assess knowledge and attitudes regarding concussions, participants completed a validated questionnaire. The outcome variables of total knowledge score (range, 0-30) and total attitude score (range, 7-49) were categorized into tertiles. We conducted multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses with participants and their children based on demographic information and characteristics as covariates. Results A total of 260 parents responded to the survey and demonstrated moderate concussion-related knowledge (median total score, 21; interquartile range [IQR], 18-22.5). The respondents exhibited favorable attitudes toward concussions (median total score, 39; IQR, 34-43), except the attitude of the importance of reporting concussion. Multivariable ordinal regression analysis for outcomes revealed only career of healthcare provider (adjusted odds ratio, 3.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-8.75) to be associated with parental concussion-related knowledge. No factors exhibited a significant association with parental attitudes toward concussions. Conclusion Our results confirmed the knowledge-attitude gap regarding pediatric concussions among Korean parents. Effective strategies are warranted to improve parental knowledge and attitudes.