Gender and Age-Based Differences in Sports Injury Causes and Injury Prevention Awareness Among Park Golf Enthusiasts

This study aimed to identify differences in the causes of sports injuries and injury prevention awareness among park golf enthusiasts based on gender and age group. Data were collected from 218 participants who regularly engage in park golf at courses located in Seoul and Chungnam. The data were gathered using a 12-item survey tool developed through inductive factor analysis. First, there were no statistically significant differences in injury occurrence time, season, or weather based on gender.<br/>However, a significant difference was found in the causes of injury. For males, the primary cause of injury was carelessness, whereas for females, excessive exercise was the main cause. Age group analysis revealed significant differences in injury occurrence time, season, weather, and the body part affected. Specifically, individuals in their 60s and 70s experienced the most frequent injuries during the early morning and under clear weather conditions, with the wrist and hand being the most commonly affected areas. Second, regarding injury prevention awareness, there were no statistically significant differences in the perceived need for preventive education, responsibility for first aid, or first aid methods across gender and age groups. However, a significant difference was observed in the perception of equipment safety between genders, with females expressing a stronger need for equipment safety improvements. Additionally, age groups differed in their views on the direction of preventive education, with those in their 60s notably expressing a stronger demand for enhanced safety education and training