First Advisor

Kyle Nelson

Date of Award

Winter 3-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Health Studies: Pre-clinical Health Science and University Honors

Department

Health Studies

Language

English

Subjects

Stress fractures (Orthopedics), Women college athletes -- Mental health, College athletes -- Health risk assessment, Deficiency diseases

DOI

10.15760/honors.1243

Abstract

Stress fractures are a common injury within collegiate athletics. Most athletes assigned female at birth will experience at least one stress fracture in their collegiate career. Eating disorders, amenorrhea, low energy availability, and low bone mass density all contribute to higher risks of stress fractures. However, one factor has been lacking within our stress fracture prevention practices in athletic departments: mental health.

Without screenings for anxiety, depression, or eating disorders, female athletes are left defenseless in a society where athletic bodies are judged and compared to each other. Underfueling in order for a body to look like another body leads to deficiencies, low bone mass density, osteoporosis, and many more lasting health concerns. Mental health, therefore, must be prioritized and screened for just as often as any physical injury. In doing so, many stress fractures and mental illnesses in female collegiate athletes can be treated effectively.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/37195

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