Date of Award

7-1-2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Health, Physical Education and Recreation

First Advisor

Dr. Micki Austin

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the overall prevalence of migraines within NCAA Division I men and women’s basketball players. In addition, the prevalence of migraines was determined across gender and ethnic groups for the same sample. Seven hundred and ninety-one Division I men and women’s basketball players representing 51 colleges and universities were mailed surveys asking questions about headaches. All surveys were analyzed with a validated diagnostic algorithm consistent with the International Headache Societies criteria for diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were used to report the prevalence rate for gender and ethnic groups as well as the entire sample. Chi square tests were preformed (p = 0.05) to determine if there are any differences in the prevalence of migraines between gender and ethnic groups. Results showed that 2 .91% (n = 23 of 791) of the total population was classified as having migraines meeting IHS guidelines. In addition, 0.90% (n = 3 of 332) of males and 4.36% (n = 20 of 459) of females were classified as having migraines meeting IHS guidelines. Additionally, results showed that females reported migraines (X2 = 8.140, p= 0.004) more often than males. When comparing the prevalence rates of migraines between ethnic groups, results showed that Caucasians had a rate of 3.26% (n = 14 of 429) while African Americans had a rate of 3.14% (n = 9 of 287). There was nosignificant difference found between ethnic groups in migraine prevalence (X2 = 2.491, p = 0.288). In conclusion, it was found that, 1). The prevalence of migraines in NCAA Division I men and women’s basketball players was generally less that what was seen for the general population, and 2). Females showed an increased prevalence of migraines when compared to males. Also, Caucasians and African Americans did not differ in prevalence of migraines.

Comments

A Thesis Presented to the School of Health, Physical Education and Research and the Faculty of the Graduate College University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science University of Nebraska at Omaha. Copyright 2000, Chad Michael Kinart

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