FIRST PLACE
TITLE: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Philippine Basketball Association Players of Philippine Cup Season 2016-2017 on Mouthguard Use in Preventing Traumatic Dental Injuries
Beatrice April Alcantara,
Diana Dela Pasion
Priscilla Grace Dimacali
Paul Adrian Soriano
Dr. Arlene Alfaro
University of the Philippines Manila
METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study design utilizing self-administered questionnaires was used to obtain data on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players on mouthguards as a preventive measure against traumatic dental injuries (TDI). From a total enumeration of a study population of 201 players, 170 respondents (rr=84.6%) were obtained.
RESULTS: Among the players, 91.67% are knowledgeable on mouthguard use in preventing TDI, most commonly because of medical professionals. The most familiar mouthguard was the custom-made type. Only 34.55% of the participants have experienced using mouthguards during their PBA career, most frequently because of advice by a dentist or physician (42.19%) and for protection (43.75%). Reasons for not using are (1) never thought about it (44.04%) and (2) discomfort (43.12%). Among the players, 66.86% have experienced TDI in the PBA. Soft tissue lacerations were the most frequent type of injury, although the sum total of injuries confined to the teeth (n=104 of 113) outnumbered soft tissue lacerations (n=96 of 113). While only 38.41% have a positive attitude towards the PBA requiring mouthguard use, 79.63% have a positive attitude towards educating and promoting mouthguard use among PBA players regardless of history of TDI, preferably by either a dental professional (66.67%) or an athletic trainer (46.51%).
CONCLUSIONS: Almost all PBA players are knowledgeable on mouthguards in preventing TDIs; however, majority have no experience of using mouthguards. Most common reasons for wearing mouthguards are recommendation by a dentist or physician and protection. Most common reasons for not wearing mouthguards are not having thought about it and discomfort. While most of the players do not agree with the PBA requiring mouthguard use, majority are willing to be educated on mouthguard use by a dentist or an athletic trainer.
KEYWORDS: Basketball, mouth protector
