Primary Prevention and Motivational Interviewing: Patterns in Athletic Training

Authors

Mark C. West, Indiana State UniversityFollow
Justin P. Young, Indiana State UniversityFollow
Matthew J. Rivera, Indiana State UniversityFollow
Kenneth E. Games, Indiana State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Background: The BOC practice analysis defines the first domain as Risk Reduction, Wellness and Health Literacy including, “Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors with effective education and communication.” There is limited evidence on primary prevention measures athletic trainers (ATs) use to address health-related behaviors. Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based patient-centered style of communication used to help patients modify detrimental health behaviors to improve health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge and practice patterns of primary prevention and motivational interviewing in athletic training. Methods: We used a cross-sectional, web-based survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT). The survey contained demographic questions, a primary prevention practice patterns questionnaire, a motivational interviewing perception and practice patterns questionnaire, and the Motivational Interviewing Knowledge and Attitudes Test (MIKAT). The demographic questions, primary prevention questions, and motivational interviewing questions underwent a CVI process using five expert reviewers (CVI 0.95). The survey was distributed to 3,250 athletic trainers through the NATA Research Survey Service, where 146 individuals accessed the survey (4.5%), and social media, with 18 participants completing the survey via that route. A total of 51 participants (women=25, men=24, no response=2; age = 36±11years, years of experience = 13±11 years [range = 0-35 years]) completed the survey and were included in the final analysis. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic variables, practice patterns- and education-related items. Results: Most participants used at least one primary prevention strategy (n=41, 80.4%). The most used primary prevention strategies were nutritional education (n=41, 80.4%), exercise prevention (n=41, 80.4%), and substance abuse education (n=15, 29.4%) (Table 3). Approximately half of respondents (n=27, 52.9%) received formal education/training on primary prevention strategies. Most (n=33, 64.7%) reported doing so on an individual level, while others (n=10, 19.6%) reported using it on the population/community level. Motivational interviewing was largely (n=43, 84.3%) not used as a primary prevention strategy. Conclusion: Generally, primary prevention strategies were used on an individual level, with most not using them to address health-related behaviors. To best promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, athletic trainers may need to increase the diversity of primary prevention strategies utilized, including the use of motivational interviewing techniques.

Author Bio(s)

Mark C. West, MS, LAT, ATC is a current student in the Doctorate in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN. He currently works as an athletic training at a community college in Michigan.

Justin P. Young, DAT, LAT, ATC, is a doctoral graduate assistant for the Doctorate in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN and is currently completing his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at Indiana State University.

Matthew J. Rivera, PhD, DAT, LAT, is an Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education for the Doctorate in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN.

Kenneth E. Games, PhD, LAT, ATC, is the Director of Graduate Studies at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN. He is also a Professor in the Doctorate in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University.

Recommended Citation

West MC, Young JP, Rivera MJ, Games KE. Primary Prevention and Motivational Interviewing: Patterns in Athletic Training. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2024 Oct 04;22(4), Article 13.