Self-reported health profile of athletes in Ibadan, South-western Nigeria: Indications for conformity with pre-participation screening

Abstract

The consequence of sudden or gradual health mishaps may temporarily or permanently put athletes out of performance. Pre-participation health screening may indicate vulnerable athletes and needs for further medical management. This study investigated whether a sample of athletes from Nigeria undertook pre-participation screening and also documents self-reported health profile of the athletes. This cross-sectional study included 280 athletes recruited consecutively from selected stadia and higher institutions within Ibadan, Oyo State capital, Nigeria. The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire in addition to other questions on lifestyle and cardiovascular disease risks was used to document self-reported health profile of respondents. Questions also probed participation in pre-participation screening. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages were used to present the results. The mean age of participants was 23.67 ± 6.28 years. Only 58 (20.7%) athletes undertook the pre-participation screening. Activity-related chest pain was reported by 81 (28.9%) athletes, bone/joint problem by 72 (25.7%), shortness of breath by 63 (22.5%) and dizziness by 48 (17.1%). Sixty-two (22.1%) and 172 (61.4%) athletes did not know their status concerning hypertension and diabetes, respectively. Most of the athletes did not undergo any pre-participation health screening and were not aware of their status concerning important cardiovascular health markers. Activity-related chest pain, bone/joint problem, shortness of breath and dizziness were the most reported problems. There was a need to ensure conformity with pre-participation screening principles among the athletes.