Degree Name
Nursing Practice, DNP
Publication Date
6-6-2025
First Advisor
Lisa Drake
Second Advisor
Beverly Clark
Abstract
Sleep is a vital yet often overlooked component of athletic performance, particularly in collision sports such as football. Despite growing evidence connecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with cognitive impairment, cardiovascular risk, and injury, standardized screening is rarely implemented in collegiate athletics. This project aimed to assess the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in college football players aged 18–25 using the STOP-BANG screening tool and to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on the knowledge of athletic trainers. The purpose was to identify at-risk athletes early, promote timely intervention, and improve athletic trainers' understanding of OSA. The project addressed gaps in current athletic health screenings by introducing a validated and cost-effective screening method. The project uses a quasi- experimental design guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework. The STOP-BANG questionnaire was administered to 83 eligible players, and athletic trainers received education on identifying OSA. Results showed an increase in the number of athletes identified as at risk for OSA following the screening. Additionally, athletic trainers demonstrated improvement in knowledge scores post-education. This project’s findings support the integration of OSA screening into routine health assessments for collegiate football athletes. Its implications extend to sports medicine, nursing practice, and policy development, contributing to early intervention and improved health outcomes in this population.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Archer, Joseph C., "Policy Paper Assessing the Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the College Football Player" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 165.
https://arch.astate.edu/dnp-projects/165
