Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge of the Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs): A cross-sectional survey study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53646/01yjkj10Keywords:
Female athlete triad, Relative energy deficiency in sport, low energy availability, healthcare professionals, Sports medicineAbstract
BACKGROUND: The Female/Male Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) arise from low energy availability and affect health and performance. Despite their prevalence, little is known about healthcare professionals’ knowledge in Spain. The aim of this research is to assess the level of knowledge among healthcare professionals in Spain regarding the Female/Male Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs).
METHODS: A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed through Spanish national professional associations in medicine, nursing, and physiotherapy. The questionnaire included sociodemographic variables, prior general information, and 16 knowledge-based items. It was validated by an expert panel and pilot tested. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied (ANOVA; p < 0.05).
RESULTS: 308 professionals participated (82.14% nurses/physiotherapists; 17.86% physicians). Half (50.3%) had heard of the Triad and 25% of REDs. Physicians demonstrated greater knowledge (72.3% and 45.5%) compared to nurses/physiotherapists (45.5% and 17.4%). Mean scores were 11.53 (SD = 2.7) and 9.86 (SD = 3.2), respectively. Notable gaps existed in menstrual health and nutritional causes of low energy availability.
CONCLUSION: There is a notable lack of knowledge about REDs and the Triad, particularly among nurses and physiotherapists. Targeted educational strategies are necessary for early detection, prevention, and treatment.
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