A concussion implies a temporary disturbance to brain function and can be serious. A medical consultation to judge the severity of the injury, and to specify a management plan are important. Failure to do so can lead to subsequent injury and may impact the individual’s schoolwork and social interactions. Understanding why some players don’t report a concussion is important in planning strategies to address this behaviour and to facilitate the development of health promotion strategies to allow them to better benefit from available health and educational services.  This is important in New Zealand because certain ethnic and cultural groups may be subject to pressures which dictate their behaviours or access to services.

Although such non-reporting is a well established phenomenon internationally, little is known about it in New Zealand. This project sought to determine whether players of Māori and Pacific Island origins, with their unique socio-cultural backgrounds, differ in their attitudes to concussion and its reporting, and in accessing health services. 

Outputs
Journal article
•    Hokowhitu, B., Sullivan, S. J., & Williams L. R. T. (2008). Rugby Culture, Ethnicity and Concussion. MAI Review, 1, 9 pages (online). (1), 1-9.

Conference papers
•    Sullivan, S. J., Williams, L.R.T., Hokowhitu, B., Gray, A., Sye, G.,  & McCrory, P.Is It Really Just a “Head Knock:U nderstanding the Implications of a Sports Concussion in the School Setting. Physical Education New Zealand (PENZ) Conference, 2008.
•    Sullivan, S. J., Williams, L.R.T., Hohowhitu, B., Gray, A., McCrory, P., & Sye, G. High School Rugby Players' Attitudes and Practices in Seeking Medical Advice Following a Concussion. Sports Medicine New Zealand Conference, 2008.
 

Project commenced: