부산대학교 도서관

ObjectiveMethodResultsConclusions\nKey PointsAthletes typically report a high prevalence of mental health issues and face significant barriers within the sporting environment that prevent help seeking. However, little is known about how retired or non-elite athletes engage with support; this lack of empirical data is even more pronounced in the case of sleep disorders.A cross-sectional online survey was completed by current and former athletes (n = 946; 495 women, 444 men, 7 non-binary) from all sports and competition levels in seven countries. Self-disclosed diagnosis history, help-seeking behaviours, and functional impact of sleep and mental health disorders were assessed.Comparable rates of mental health disorders were observed between current athletes (39.3%) and former athletes (42.0%), OR = 1.17, p = .337. Similarly, comparable rates of sleep disorders were observed between current athletes (25.4%) and former athletes (30.9%), OR = 1.20, p = .298. Men reported lower mental health disorder prevalence than women (32.9% vs. 46.3%), OR = 1.82, p < .001. Gender differences were also evident in the types of disorders reported. For sleep disorders, men were less likely to seek assistance from a psychologist than women (8.4% vs. 26.2%), p < .001,φ = 0.23. No differences in help seeking avenues for mental health were observed. Comorbid disorders had more frequent functional impairment than individual sleep or mental health disorders.These self-reported prevalence estimates have significance for practitioners and clinicians. Data indicates the most prevalent types of disorders in these populations and where athletes typically engage in support. Evaluating the time course of these disorders can inform health promotion strategies and treatment methods for practitioners and support staff.What is already known about this topic: Higher rates of mental health disorders are observed in athletes who are women–a potential consequence of men fearing breaches of masculinity.Former athletes present similar prevalence of sleep and mental health problems to current athletes, despite the removal of sport specific demands and barriers to help seeking.Despite increased attention to mental health in sports, various barriers prevent athletes from engaging in help-seeking behaviours.Higher rates of mental health disorders are observed in athletes who are women–a potential consequence of men fearing breaches of masculinity.Former athletes present similar prevalence of sleep and mental health problems to current athletes, despite the removal of sport specific demands and barriers to help seeking.Despite increased attention to mental health in sports, various barriers prevent athletes from engaging in help-seeking behaviours.What this topic adds: This novel study explores the help seeking behaviours of both current and retired athletes. Comparable diagnosis rates between cohorts were observed, underscoring the need for continued support post-retirement.Gender disparities in diagnosis rates, diagnosis types and help-seeking avenues were apparent, emphasising the need for further research in gender diverse samples.Comorbid disorders appeared to have greater perceived functional impairment, highlighting the importance of early intervention and equal promotion of sleep and mental health education.This novel study explores the help seeking behaviours of both current and retired athletes. Comparable diagnosis rates between cohorts were observed, underscoring the need for continued support post-retirement.Gender disparities in diagnosis rates, diagnosis types and help-seeking avenues were apparent, emphasising the need for further research in gender diverse samples.Comorbid disorders appeared to have greater perceived functional impairment, highlighting the importance of early intervention and equal promotion of sleep and mental health education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]