To assess the impact of preparticipation screening protocols on health equity among college athletes, particularly regarding their implications for sudden cardiac death (SCD) prevention and access to care.
Key Findings:
SCD is the leading medical cause of death among college-age individuals, with similar rates in athletes and non-athletes, highlighting the need for equitable screening.
Preparticipation screening can improve detection of cardiac abnormalities but may exacerbate health inequities, particularly for non-athletes.
The 14-point H&P has low sensitivity, while ECG combined with H&P improves detection but has false positive rates, raising concerns about its equitable application.
Healthcare costs and access to screening vary significantly, influenced by socioeconomic factors and institutional resources, which can create disparities in care.
Interpretation:
While preparticipation screening can enhance safety for athletes, it raises significant concerns regarding health equity, particularly for non-athletes and underserved populations who may not have access to similar screening opportunities.
Limitations:
Lack of outcomes-based research to endorse a specific screening method.
Variability in healthcare systems and costs complicates generalizations about screening feasibility and affordability.
Disparities in institutional resources may lead to unequal access to medical care for athletes across different colleges.
Potential biases in existing studies on screening methods may affect the reliability of findings.
Conclusion:
Preparticipation screening protocols must be evaluated not only for their effectiveness in preventing SCD but also for their implications on health equity, ensuring that all college students, regardless of athletic status, have access to necessary cardiac screenings.
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