Effects of Peer-Education on Knowledge of the Female Athlete Triad Among High School Track and Field Athletes: A Pilot Study

Authors

Katie Nicole Brown, Utah State UniversityFollow
Heidi Wengreen, Utah State UniversityFollow
Katherine A. Beals, University of Utah
Edward M. Heath, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal

Volume

24

Issue

1

Publisher

National Association for Girls and Women in Sport

Publication Date

4-1-2016

First Page

1

Last Page

6

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study aimed to assess risk for the female athlete triad (Triad) and pilot a peer-led Triad educational intervention. Twenty-nine female high school track and field athletes (N = 29) at one high school in the western United States consented to participate. Participants were weighed and measured, and completed pre- and postsurveys that included Triad risk factor questions and 10 questions assessing Triad knowledge. 54% of athletes reported current menstrual irregularity; 7% reported a history of stress fractures. Significant increases in Triad knowledge were observed pre- to postintervention (4.7 ± 2.6 to 7.7 ± 1.78 out of 10; p < .0001). Triad education was generally accepted and enjoyed by participants; however, 86% preferred that a coach or other adult provide education instead of a peer.

Recommended Citation

Brown KN, Wengreen HJ, Beals KA, Heath EM. Effects of Peer-Education on Knowledge of the Female Athlete Triad among High School Track and Field Athletes: A Pilot Study. Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal. 2016; 24:1-6. (1,3-6)