| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance of the study. In today’s society, where physical activity is increasingly encouraged, contact sports are a particularly popular field of activity among young adults. However, contact sports are also closely associated with an increased risk of injury. The relevance of this research lies in the lack of modern, scientific studies on this topic in Lithuania. The study is based on the aim to assess the frequency of head, facial, and jaw injuries and their associated factors among 18–25-year-old individuals in the Vilnius region. The objective of the research was to evaluate the impact of contact sports on head, facial, and jaw injuries in the 18–25 age group within this region. Materials and methods. The study was conducted using a descriptive, cross-sectional research design. Participants were young individuals aged 18–25 residing in Vilnius city and district. Data were collected through a standardized electronic questionnaire consisting of six thematic sections covering physical activity, injury history, use of protective equipment, and respondents’ attitudes toward injuries and their prevention. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 28 software. Chi-square and t-tests were applied to determine statistical significance, and Spearman’s correlation was used to measure associations. Results. A total of 221 respondents participated in the study, of whom 46.2% reported having experienced at least one head, facial, or jaw injury. Individuals engaged in contact sports sustained injuries significantly more often than those who were inactive or participated in non-contact sports (χ² = 23.60, p < 0.001). The injury rate was higher among male respondents compared to females. Only about one-quarter of physically active participants reported using protective equipment, although, overall, its importance was rated highly by the respondents. Nearly 70% of those who had experienced an injury sought medical attention, and the average recovery time was approximately 1.6 weeks. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the perceived severity of injury and recovery duration (ρ = 0.618, p < 0.001). Conclusions. Contact sports significantly increase the risk of head and facial injuries. The hypothesis that young individuals engaged in contact sports experience injuries more frequently than their non-athletic peers was confirmed. The results highlight the need to promote the use of protective equipment and to raise awareness among young people about the risks and consequences of such injuries. |
