Injury or knowledge of prevention? An investigation of injury anxiety and prevention awareness among student athletes

This study aimed to examine the relationship between injury-related fears and injury prevention awareness among student athletes, with a focus on selected demographic variables. The research was conducted with students enrolled in the Faculty of Sport Sciences. Data were analyzed in relation to gender, injury history, age, income level, and academic department in order to identify differences in both injury-related anxiety and awareness of preventive strategies. The findings showed no significant differences between male and female students. Athletes with previous injuries reported higher levels of both injury prevention awareness and injury-related fear. Younger participants (18–23 years) exhibited greater anxiety regarding being perceived as weak, disappointing significant others, and losing social support compared to students aged 24 and above. In addition, middle- and high-income groups demonstrated higher awareness of injury prevention and health management. Finally, students in sport and coaching programs reported higher fear scores related to being perceived as weak compared to those in sport management and recreation. These results underscore the need to provide student athletes with targeted education on pre- and post-injury processes, strengthen social and psychosocial support mechanisms, and ensure access to health services. Developing sport-specific prevention programs and employing longitudinal research designs are recommended for future studies.