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

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 barr...