Prevention of exertional heat illness among high school baseball athletes and coaches : knowledge, attitude, practice, facilitators, and barriers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify awareness regarding the prevention of exertional heat illness among high school baseball athletes and coaches and to examine the issues to be addressed in promoting exertional heat illness prevention in the future. The survey included questions about knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of exertional heat illness prevention, and the facilitators and barriers in the prevention practice. The results showed that both athletes and coaches had good attitudes, but insufficient knowledge and practice. In addition, since there was a difference in KAP scores between athletes and coaches, suggesting that the practice of exertional heat illness prevention is influenced by the presence of others, it would be effective not only to strengthen education but also to increase communication and common awareness between athletes and coaches. It is thought that this will help to strengthen the prevention of exertional heat illness.