scholarly journals Athletic Trainers' Attitudes Toward Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athletes

2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine A. Ensign ◽  
Athena Yiamouyiannis ◽  
Kristi M. White ◽  
B. David Ridpath
Keyword(s):  
Family Member ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
And Bisexual

Abstract Context: Researchers have investigated heterosexuals' attitudes toward homosexuals, focusing on factors such as sex, race, religion, education, and contact experiences. However, in the context of sport, this research is deficient. We found no published literature investigating athletic trainers (ATs') attitudes toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual student-athletes (LGB). Objective: To determine heterosexual ATs' attitudes toward LGB student-athletes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: E-mailed survey. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 964 ATs employed at member institutions. Main Outcome Measure(s): We measured attitudes using the Attitudes Toward Lesbian, Gay Men, and Bisexuals (ATLGB) Scale. To determine the extent to which sex, religion, and whether having an LGB friend or family member had an effect on ATs' attitudes, we performed analysis of variance. To establish the effect of age on ATs' attitudes, we calculated a Pearson correlation. We used an independent t test to identify differences between ATs who reported working with LGB student-athletes and ATs who did not. Results: With ATLGB score as the dependent factor, a main effect was noted for sex, religion, and having an LGB friend or family member (P < .01 for all comparisons). Age and total score were related (P < .01). A difference was seen in the ATLGB scores between ATs who were aware of LGB student-athletes on their teams and ATs who were not (P < .001). Conclusions: Many ATs hold positive attitudes toward LGB student-athletes, especially females, those who have an LGB friend or family member, and those who are aware of LGB student-athletes. Still, it is important to provide an open environment in the athletic training room for all student-athletes.

scholarly journals Validation of the Professional Identity and Values Scale Among an Athletic Trainer Population

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christianne M. Eason ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Craig R. Denegar ◽  
Laura Burton ◽  
Jennifer McGarry
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Professional Identity ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Professional Orientation

Context:  Forming a professional identity is a process by which an individual achieves an awareness of his or her own self-concept in the context of the profession. Identity in relation to an individual's profession includes the ability to articulate one's role as a professional and professional philosophy. Professional identity has been studied extensively in other fields, but currently no professional identity scales have been validated within the athletic training profession. Objective:  To validate the Professional Identity and Values Scale (PIVS) among an athletic trainer population. Design:  Cross-sectional study. Setting:  Web-based questionnaire. Patients or Other Participants:  Athletic trainers employed in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, III, or National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics colleges or universities (n = 299, 56.5% female, 43.5% male). The average age of the participants was 33.6 ± 8.3 years, and they had 10.3 ± 7.6 years of experience. Main Outcome Measure(s):  Participants were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire and the 32-item PIVS. The variables included demographics and the PIVS (Professional Orientation and Values subscale [18 items] and the Professional Development subscale [14 items]). Results:  Exploratory factor analysis reduced the survey from 32 to 20 items and revealed 6 factors. Three factors emerged from the Professional Development subscale and emphasized professional insecurities during the early career stages, the importance of mentors during the intermediate stages, and self-confidence and awareness during the later stages of professional development. An additional 3 factors emerged from the Professional Orientation and Values subscale: (1) patient care and advocacy, (2) professional engagement and collaboration, and (3) personal wellness and values. A Cronbach α of 0.80 indicated good internal consistency. Conclusions:  A modified PIVS is a valid and reliable measure of professional identity among athletic trainers employed in the collegiate setting.

scholarly journals Certified Athletic Trainers' Knowledge of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Common Disinfectants

2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leamor Kahanov ◽  
Elizabeth J. Gilmore ◽  
Lindsey E. Eberman ◽  
Jeffrey Roberts ◽  
Tamar Semerjian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Context: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are increasingly common in athletic settings. The MRSA knowledge and infection-control practices of certified athletic trainers (ATs) and the cleanliness of the athletic training room are important factors in preventing MRSA infections. Objective: To assess knowledge of MRSA and the use of common disinfectants among ATs and to explore their infection-control practices. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: High school and collegiate athletic training rooms. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 163 ATs from National Collegiate Athletic Association Divisions I, II, and III and high schools, representing all 10 National Athletic Trainers' Association districts. Main Outcome Measure(s): Frequencies, analyses of variance, and χ2 tests were used to assess current practices and opinions and relationships between factors. Results: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was perceived as a national problem by 92% of respondents; 57% perceived MRSA as a problem in their practice setting. Most respondents had treated general infections (88%), staphylococcal infections (75%), and MRSA infections (57%). Male sex was associated with treating all 3 types of infections (χ2 test, P < .05). Noncurriculum education was associated with a lack of recognition of environmental issues as risk factors and with the use of isopropyl alcohol for disinfection (χ2 test, P < .05). For example, 10% of respondents did not recognize that contaminated whirlpools can be a source of MRSA infection. Respondents also incorrectly identified effective cleaning solutions. Thirty percent of respondents cleaned their hands frequently or sometimes before treating each athlete and 35% cleaned their hands sometimes, occasionally, or never after seeing each athlete. Conclusions: The majority of ATs were informed about MRSA and made correct disinfection choices. However, improvements are still needed, and not all ATs were using proper disinfection practices.

scholarly journals Development of an Instrument to Assess Athletic Trainers' Attitudes Toward Transgender Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 431-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine A. Ensign ◽  
Brian M. Dodge ◽  
Debra Herbenick ◽  
Carrie L. Docherty
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Item Reduction ◽  
Gender Minorities ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
And Gender

Context:  The unique contexts in which athletic trainers (ATs) work require specific tools in order to understand their attitudes toward diverse patient populations, including sexual and gender minorities. Objective:  To develop and validate the Attitudes Toward Transgender Patients (ATTP) instrument for ATs. Design:  Cross-sectional study. Setting:  Semistructured interviews, paper-based questionnaire, and electronic questionnaire. Patients or Other Participants:  Six ATs completed semistructured interviews to develop themes regarding transgender patients. Additionally, 39 students in professional and postprofessional athletic training programs answered questionnaires designed to elicit statements regarding transgender patients. For item reduction, a sample of 3000 ATs were e-mailed (response rate = 17%), and for validation, another sample of 3000 ATs were e-mailed (response rate = 13%). Athletic trainers' e-mail addresses were obtained from the National Athletic Trainers' Association. Data Collection and Analysis:  The 3 phases were (1) exploratory interviews, (2) construct validity and item reduction, and (3) criterion validity. Items were created based on interviews and questionnaires. Principal axis factoring was used for item reduction, and Pearson correlations were used for validation. Results:  Thirty-six statements pertaining to transgender patients were developed from the interview and questionnaire data. After item reduction, 10 items remained to form the ATTP (α = .834). For validation, the ATTP and Transphobia Scale were significantly correlated (r = .723; P < .001). Conclusions:  The ability to assess attitudes toward transgender patients will allow clinicians to identify needed areas of focus for training and education. The ATTP assesses affective and cognitive attitudes and behavioral intentions toward transgender patients in common clinical settings.

scholarly journals The Level of Medical Services and Secondary School-Aged Athletes

2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry L. DeWitt ◽  
Scott A. Unruh ◽  
Srivatsa Seshadri
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
American Academy ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Athletic Programs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
American Academy Of Pediatrics

Context: Medical organizations have recommended that administrators, parents, and community leaders explore every opportunity to make interscholastic athletic programs safe for participation, including employing athletic trainers at practices and competitive events. Objective: To determine the overall level of medical services provided for secondary school-aged athletes at high school athletic events in a rural southern state, to evaluate the employment of athletic trainers in the provision of medical services in secondary schools, and to compare athletic training medical services provided at athletic events among schools of various sizes. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Questionnaires were sent to administrators at 199 secondary schools. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 144 administrators, including interscholastic athletic directors and school principals, from 199 secondary schools participated (72% response rate). Main Outcome Measure(s): Participants completed the Self-Appraisal Checklist for Health Supervision in Scholastic Athletic Programs from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which has been demonstrated to be valid and reliable. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to measure differences in groups. Results: We found differences in cumulative scores when measuring between institutional classifications (P≤.05). Cumulative scores for the Event Coverage section of the instrument ranged from 80.5 to 109.6 out of a total possible score of 126. We also found differences in several factors identified in the Event Coverage section (P≤.05). Conclusions: The number of coaching staff certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid was minimal. Most schools did not have a plan for providing minimal emergency equipment, ice, or water for visiting teams. We found that 88% (n = 7) of the 8 essential Event Coverage components that the American Academy of Pediatrics deems important were not addressed by schools represented in our study.

scholarly journals Use of Evidence-Based Practice Among Athletic Training Educators, Clinicians, and Students, Part 1: Perceived Importance, Knowledge, and Confidence

2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 394-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorice A. Hankemeier ◽  
Jessica M. Walter ◽  
Cailee W. McCarty ◽  
Eric J. Newton ◽  
Stacy E. Walker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Master's Degrees ◽  
Athletic Training Educators ◽  
Perceived Importance

Context: Although evidence-based practice (EBP) has become more prevalent, athletic trainers' perceptions of importance and knowledge of these concepts and their confidence in EBP are largely unknown. Objective: To assess perceived importance and knowledge of and confidence in EBP concepts in athletic trainers in various roles and with different degree levels. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey instrument. Patients or Other Participants: The survey was sent to 6702 athletic training educators, clinicians, and postprofessional students. A total of 1209 completed the survey, for a response rate of 18.04%. Main Outcome Measure(s): Demographic information and perceived importance and knowledge of and confidence in the steps of EBP were obtained. One-way analysis of variance, a Kruskal-Wallis test, and an independent-samples t test were used to determine differences in scores among the demographic variables. Results: Athletic trainers demonstrated low knowledge scores (64.2% ± 1.29%) and mild to moderate confidence (2.71 ± 0.55 out of 4.0). They valued EBP as moderately to extremely important (3.49 ± 0.41 out of 4.0). Perceived importance scores differed among roles (clinicians unaffiliated with an education program scored lower than postprofessional educators, P = .001) and highest educational degree attained (athletic trainers with terminal degrees scored higher than those with bachelor's or master's degrees, P < .001). Postprofessional athletic training students demonstrated the highest total EBP knowledge scores (4.65 ± 0.91), whereas clinicians demonstrated the lowest scores (3.62 ± 1.35). Individuals with terminal degrees had higher (P < .001) total knowledge scores (4.31 ± 1.24) than those with bachelor's (3.78 ± 1.2) or master's degrees (3.76 ± 1.35). Postprofessional educators demonstrated greater confidence in knowledge scores (3.36 ± 0.40 out of 4.0) than did those in all other athletic training roles (P < .001). Conclusions: Overall knowledge of the basic EBP steps remained low across the various athletic trainers' roles. The higher level of importance indicated that athletic trainers valued EBP, but this value was not reflected in the knowledge of EBP concepts. Individuals with a terminal degree possessed higher knowledge scores than those with other educational preparations; however, EBP knowledge needs to increase across all demographics of the profession.

scholarly journals Experiences With Workplace Bullying Among Athletic Trainers in the Collegiate Setting

2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 696-705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celest Weuve ◽  
William A. Pitney ◽  
Malissa Martin ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Training Environment ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Academic Degree ◽  
Work Settings ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Context: Workplace bullying (WPB) is a series of persistent negative interactions that affect a clinician's ability to perform his or her role. Although WPB has been studied in other health professions, to date, no information exists pertaining to WPB in athletic training. Objective: To determine the prevalence of WPB in the collegiate setting and examine factors that influence its occurrence. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Collegiate setting. Patients or Other Participants: There were 723 (329 female, 394 male) athletic trainers (ATs) aged 37.5 ± 10.4 years. Main Outcome Measure(s): We collected data via the validated and reliable online Athletic Training Environment Survey. Descriptive statistics were obtained to determine a bullying score for each AT and examine the prevalence of WPB. Chi-square analyses were performed to examine the differences between (1) sex, (2) academic degree level, (3) employment title, and (4) National Athletic Trainers' Association district. Results: A total of 106 participants (14.7%) had a score of 2 or higher, indicating they were bullied in the athletic training setting. Of those bullied, 47 (44.3%) were women and 59 (55.7%) were men. There was no difference between women and men with respect to having experienced bullying (χ21 = 0.068, P = .794). Moreover, no difference existed in the prevalence of bullying among ATs holding various degrees (χ23 = 6.73, P = .081) or among ATs holding various titles within an organization (χ25 = 3.55, P = .616). More (χ21 = 23.77, P = < .001) perpetrators were male (74.2%, n = 75) than female (25.8%, n = 26); of these, 38.2% (n = 39) were coaches, 17.6% (n = 18) were supervisory ATs, and 8.8% (n = 9) were coworker ATs. Conclusions: Bullying was experienced by both male and female ATs in the collegiate setting, and a higher number of bullies were male. More research is necessary to explore WPB in other work settings.

scholarly journals Exploring Predictors of Moral Disengagement in Collegiate Athletic Trainers

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-104
Author(s):  
Ross Budziszewski ◽  
Scott A. Graupensperger ◽  
Matthew Vierimaa
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Cluster Solution ◽  
Cross Sectional

Context Considering recent high-profile reports of malpractice and negligence by National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletic trainers (ATs), it is prudent to investigate the psychological mechanisms that may influence ATs' ability to justify unethical behaviors. When treating injured student-athletes, ATs may undergo a cognitive process known as moral disengagement, which involves convincing oneself that ethical standards do not apply in a particular context. Objective To explore the psychological factors and traits among ATs that may predict moral disengagement pertaining to allowing athletes to play through injuries. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 187 Division I, II, and III ATs from 100 NCAA universities. Main Outcome Measure(s) In addition to the primary outcome variable of moral disengagement, the survey captured the AT's demographic background, sport and athletic training histories, and measures of sport ethic, contesting orientations, commitment, and social identity. Results Cluster analysis was used to identify homogeneous subgroups of participants based on these variables. A 2-cluster solution emerged, with cluster 1 (n = 94) scoring higher in the sport-ethic and sport-contesting orientations but lower in commitment and social identity compared with cluster 2 (n = 93). An independent-samples t test revealed that moral disengagement was highest (t185 = 19.59, P < .001, d = 0.69) among ATs in cluster 1. Conclusions These findings advance our understanding of the psychological processes that may predict moral disengagement of ATs in allowing student-athletes to play through injury. Although additional research is needed to test whether moral disengagement influences return-to-play decisions, we provide initial evidence that ATs who conform to sport norms (eg, “no pain, no gain”) and who tend to view sport competition with a “war-like” orientation are more likely to morally disengage.

scholarly journals Trends in gambling behavior among college student-athletes: A comparison of 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 NCAA survey data

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jérémie Richard ◽  
Thomas S Paskus ◽  
Jeffrey L Derevensky
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
College Student ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Gambling Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Participation Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
College Student Athletes ◽  
Gambling Activities

Student-athletes represent a vulnerable subgroup of the college student population with regards to engagement in high-risk behaviours. Four large samples of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student-athletes in 2004 (N = 20,587), 2008 (N = 19,942), 2012 (N = 22,935) and 2016 (N = 22,388) were surveyed about their gambling behaviours and attitudes. A cross-sectional study was conducted to gain insight into changing gambling behaviours and attitudes among college student-athletes. Findings revealed gender differences in participation rates of gambling with men consistently engaging in all gambling activities at higher rates than women (55% of men versus 38% women in 2016). Despite gender differences, the results suggest that participation rates for most gambling activities have generally decreased over the twelve-year span. The proportion of student-athletes at-risk or meeting criteria for pathological gambling between 2004 and 2016 has also decreased among men (4% in 2004 versus 2% in 2016) while remaining relatively consistent among women (<1% across all years). Furthermore, attitudes towards various forms of gambling appear to have changed over time, with a greater number of student-athletes in 2016 believing that sports wagering is unacceptable and a potentially harmful activity. Taken together, the results suggest that gambling behaviours among student-athletes may be on a downward trend despite the increased accessibility and availability of gambling opportunities.RésuméEn ce qui concerne la participation à des comportements à risque élevé, les étudiants-athlètes représentent un sous-groupe vulnérable de la population des étudiants universitaires. Quatre grands échantillons d’étudiants-athlètes de la National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), 2004 (N = 20 587), 2008 (N = 19 942), 2012 (N = 22 935) et 2016 (N = 22 388), ont été sondés sur leurs comportements et leurs attitudes de jeu. Une étude transversale a été menée afin de mieux comprendre l’évolution des comportements et des attitudes face au jeu chez les étudiants athlètes. Les résultats ont révélé des différences entre les sexes dans les taux de participation au jeu, les hommes pratiquant systématiquement toutes les activités de jeu à un taux plus élevé que celui des femmes (55 % d’hommes contre 38 % de femmes en 2016). Malgré les différences entre les sexes, les résultats laissent entendre que les taux de participation à la plupart des activités de jeu ont généralement diminué au cours de la période de douze ans. La proportion d’étudiants-athlètes à risque ou satisfaisant aux critères du jeu pathologique entre 2004 et 2016 a également chuté chez les hommes (4 % en 2004 contre 2 % en 2016), tout en restant relativement stable chez les femmes (<1 % pour toutes les années). En outre, les attitudes vis-à-vis des différentes formes de jeu semblent avoir évolué au fil du temps. En 2016, un plus grand nombre d’étudiants-athlètes pensaient que les paris sportifs étaient inacceptables et potentiellement nocifs. Mis ensemble, les résultats suggèrent que les comportements de jeu parmi les étudiants-athlètes pourraient être à la baisse, en dépit de l’accessibilité accrue et de la disponibilité des possibilités de jeu.

scholarly journals An Examination of Athletic Trainers' Occupational Recovery Experiences During Time After Work

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 532-537
Author(s):  
Stacy L. Gnacinski ◽  
Mellanie Nai ◽  
Megan Brady ◽  
Barbara B. Meyer ◽  
Nate Newman
Keyword(s):  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Recovery Experiences

Context Although researchers have directed scholars toward investigating the effectiveness of the nonwork personal time of athletic trainers (ATs), no one has characterized the occupational recovery experiences of ATs. Objective To examine the reliability and validity of the Recovery Experience Questionnaire (REQ) for use in AT populations. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 144 ATs (71 men, 73 women) working in a variety of National Collegiate Athletic Association sports across all levels of competition. Main Outcome Measure(s) The REQ was administered to assess the AT recovery experience. Results Preliminary evidence emerged for the reliability (ω = 0.80–0.90) and validity of the REQ for use in AT populations. Weak linear relationships were identified between stress and perceptions of psychological detachment (r = −0.314, P &lt; .001), mastery (r = −0.179, P = .32), control (r = −0.284, P = .001), and relaxation (r = −0.157, P = .06). Conclusions Our results support measuring and applying occupational recovery for AT stress and work-life balance. Given that occupational recovery as a construct was only weakly related to stress, it is clearly a unique and distinct variable worth considering within the work-life balance line of inquiry.

scholarly journals Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Athletic Trainers: Collegiate Student-Athletes' Perceptions

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-333
Author(s):  
Ashley Crossway ◽  
Sean M. Rogers ◽  
Emma A. Nye ◽  
Kenneth E. Games ◽  
Lindsey E. Eberman
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Seek Health Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Strongly Agree

Context Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) athletic trainers (ATs) face uncertain acceptance in the workplace. Objective To examine the perceptions of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student-athletes toward ATs who identified as LGBTQ. Design Cross-sectional design. Setting Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 623 (males = 212, females = 403, other = 8; age = 19.7 ± 1.4 years) NCAA student-athletes completed the survey. Main Outcome Measure(s) Participants completed a 19-item survey to assess their perceptions about the appropriateness of, quality of care from, and comfort with ATs who identified as LGBTQ. We asked 10 demographic questions and 2 questions regarding the student-athlete's exposure to individuals who identified as LGBTQ. Five matrix questions had 5 stems each to represent LGBTQ individuals on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) and 2 open-ended questions elicited qualitative data. We analyzed characteristics of central tendency to evaluate the level of appropriateness, quality of care, and level of comfort perceived by student-athletes of ATs who identified as LGBTQ. We used Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests for post hoc analyses where appropriate. We used grounded theory to identify themes in the answers to the open-ended questions. Results Participants indicated they would seek health care and would feel comfortable approaching an AT who identified as LGBTQ. Participants agreed it was appropriate for an LGBTQ AT to work with both male and female sports and did not agree that health care provided by heterosexual and LGBTQ ATs differed. The open-ended responses revealed 4 themes: professionalism, upbringing, situational concerns, and concerns about specific populations that affected their perceptions. Conclusions In general, the NCAA student-athletes had positive perceptions of ATs who identified as LGBTQ.

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