Date of Award

2009

Publisher

North Dakota State University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Awarded

Master of Science (MS)

Program

Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences

Department

Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences

College

Human Sciences and Education

Faculty Advisor

Terbizan, Donna

Description

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the common types of skin infections occurring in United States athletes within the past year and the types of athletes that are most likely to contract them. Surveys were constructed online and with the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) help sent out to 1,000 athletic trainers. A total of 151 athletic trainers completed the survey reporting 213 athletes with skin infections. Data analysis consisted of using Chi Square to test the frequencies, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The results revealed a significant difference between the different types of skin infections, the level of competition and sports most affected, and among the most common method of contraction. However, there was no significance found between males or females having a higher probability to contract skin infections. MRSA was the most reported type of skin infection, having a high incidence rate in almost every level of competition, and mostly reported in football players. Ringworm was the second most reported skin infection, with a high number reported in high school athletes, and a high prevalence in wrestlers. Participants reported that the average length of time to report was < 1 - 2 days and that the most common method of contraction was person to person (76) next to "unknown" (77). In conclusion, while additional research needs to be completed to understand the trends in the different sports teams and methods of contraction, this research agreed with most of the current literature available. Additionally, as the number of these types of skin infections continue to increase, education for athletes, coaches, and health professionals is imperative to prevent skin infections from spreading.

Rights

NDSU policy 190.6.2

Rights Link

https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf

Handle Identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/10365/33814

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