Date of Graduation

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

Committee Chair

Michelle A. Sandrey

Abstract

Context: Little is known how and when to return a female athlete at the college level back to participation when an eating disorder is being treated. Objective: The purpose of this study is to develop policies and procedures for referral and treatment for eating disorders that may occur to female athletes at the Division III level. Design: This study used the modified Delphi Technique to gain opinions from eight experts who are Certified Head Athletic Trainers. Two rounds of questionnaires were used. Setting: Division III institutions in the Presidents Athletic Conference. Patients and Other Participants: Seven Certified Head Athletic Trainers in the Presidents Athletic Conference served as participants in the study. Intervention: Upon IRB approval two rounds of questionnaires were sent to all Certified Head Athletic Trainers in the Presidents Athletic Conference. The first round questionnaires included each participant’s demographic information and their opinions on policies and procedures using a five-point Likert-type scale. The second round questionnaire included the assessment of the results from the first round in addition to ten write in questions. Again the participants were asked to rate their responses using the five-point Likert-type scale. Following the return of the second round of questionnaires, the information was analyzed and policies and procedures for the referral and treatment of Division III female college athletes were determined. Main Outcome Measures: The Eating Disorder Team will include a Team Physician, Mental Health Professional, Nutritionist, Dentist and Certified Athletic Trainer based on a consensus of 70% or a mean of three from the panel of experts. Based on a consensus of 70% or a mean of three, athletes suspected of having an eating disorder will undergo a medical, psychological, nutritional and gynecological examination by the appropriate medical personnel. The consensus of 70% or a mean of three from the panel of experts, will agree that in order for the collegiate athlete to maintain his or her participation status, he or she must maintain their body weight and composition, attend psychological counseling regularly, be seen by the team physician, be in contact with Certified Head Athletic Trainer on a daily basis, and a contract must be signed by all members of the EDT and the student athlete agreeing to the above guidelines. Based on a consensus of 70% from the panel of experts, the inclusion of parents and how to notify them will be identified. Results: First round results had a consensus of 87.5% with means ranging from 3.3-4.9. None of these statements were eliminated. Ten write in statements were added. Second round results had a consensus of 71% with means ranging from 3.2-4.4. The inclusion of the Dentist and basing the number of referrals on the athlete’s insurance did not meet consensus falling below a mean of 3. Conclusions: The purposed policies and procedures can be implemented at the institutions of the Presidents Athletic Conference. Each institution could benefit from educational programs informing athletes, coaches and all certified athletic trainers what the signs and symptoms are of an eating disorder. For future research it is suggested that a larger sample size is used including not at the Head Athletic Trainers but all that are on staff.

Download

Share

COinS