Brianna Larsen1, Kirstin Morris2, Karlee Quinn3, Mark Osborne4, Clare Minahan5. 1. Griffith Sports Physiology and Performance, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; Queensland Academy of Sport, Nathan, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: Eb.larsen@griffith.edu.au. 2. Queensland Academy of Sport, Nathan, Queensland, Australia. 3. Griffith Sports Physiology and Performance, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; Queensland Academy of Sport, Nathan, Queensland, Australia. 4. Swimming Australia Pty Ltd., Sunnybank, Queensland, Australia. 5. Griffith Sports Physiology and Performance, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge of Australian elite female athletes surrounding the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives. DESIGN: Cross sectional survey. METHODS: Australian female athletes (n=189) representing their state and/or country in their respective sport completed a questionnaire comprising questions (multiple choice and short answer) relating to the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives. A knowledge 'score' was calculated by allocating one point for each correct answer; the highest knowledge score that could be achieved was 14. Linear regression analysis was used to identify variables that were independently associated with menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive knowledge. RESULTS: Almost half (47.1 %) of the athletes surveyed were currently using hormonal contraception, the majority (75.3 %) of which used an oral contraceptive pill. Nevertheless, the mean knowledge score achieved by athletes on the questionnaire was 5.03±3.06, with only 8.5 % of athletes achieving a knowledge score of 10 or above. Hormonal contraceptive use and 'identifying as an individual athlete' were two factors that were significantly associated with overall knowledge score (p≤0.004), with current hormonal contraceptive users and individual athletes scoring 1.79 and 1.66 points on average higher than non-users and team sport athletes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that knowledge surrounding the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives was low in most elite athletes. Further education is warranted to enable athletes to make informed decisions regarding hormonal contraception, and any educational interventions should be implemented across all athlete groups.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge of Australian elite female athletes surrounding the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives. DESIGN: Cross sectional survey. METHODS: Australian female athletes (n=189) representing their state and/or country in their respective sport completed a questionnaire comprising questions (multiple choice and short answer) relating to the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives. A knowledge 'score' was calculated by allocating one point for each correct answer; the highest knowledge score that could be achieved was 14. Linear regression analysis was used to identify variables that were independently associated with menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive knowledge. RESULTS: Almost half (47.1 %) of the athletes surveyed were currently using hormonal contraception, the majority (75.3 %) of which used an oral contraceptive pill. Nevertheless, the mean knowledge score achieved by athletes on the questionnaire was 5.03±3.06, with only 8.5 % of athletes achieving a knowledge score of 10 or above. Hormonal contraceptive use and 'identifying as an individual athlete' were two factors that were significantly associated with overall knowledge score (p≤0.004), with current hormonal contraceptive users and individual athletes scoring 1.79 and 1.66 points on average higher than non-users and team sport athletes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that knowledge surrounding the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives was low in most elite athletes. Further education is warranted to enable athletes to make informed decisions regarding hormonal contraception, and any educational interventions should be implemented across all athlete groups.
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