Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding meniscal injuries among sports science students: A cross-sectional study

The prevalence of meniscal injuries has been increasing among sports science students, whose knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding the injuries play important roles in athlete health and safety. This study aimed to investigate the KAP of sports science students toward meniscal injuries. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Jiujiang University in Jiangxi Province between October 2023 and December 2023. Self-developed questionnaires were used to collect demographic and KAP, and Physical Activity Rating Scale was used to evaluate physical activity. The interrelationships of KAP were identified through Spearman correlation analysis and pathway analysis. A total of 419 valid responses were collected, with a mean age of 20.04 ± 1.44 years and 79.00% male participants. The majority (71.12%) had a high level of physical activity. The mean scores for KAP were 22.37 ± 6.00 (possible range: 0-28), 32.37 ± 3.35 (possible range: 10-40), and 36.63 ± 6.53 (possible range: 10-50), respectively. Spearman correlation analysis revealed positive associations among knowledge and attitude (r = 0.456, P < .001), knowledge and practice (r = 0.344, P < .001), as well as attitude and practice (r = 0.431, P < .001). Pathway analysis unveiled a directly positive impact of knowledge on attitude (β = 0.234, P < .001). Knowledge exhibited both directly and indirectly positive impacts on practice (total effect: β = 0.396, P = .007; direct effects: β = 0.242, P < .001; indirect effects: β = 0.154, P = .011). Furthermore, attitude had a directly positive impact on practice (β = 0.659, P < .001). Sports science students demonstrated moderate knowledge, positive attitude, and moderate practice toward meniscal injuries. Educational initiatives and behavioral promotion are recommended to enhance KAP regarding meniscal injuries.