scholarly journals Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Screening Tool Practices Among Athletic Trainers in Secondary School and Collegiate Settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Fowler ◽  
Elizabeth Neil ◽  
Cameron Powden
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Post Injury ◽  
Cross Sectional

Purpose: Musculoskeletal (MSK) screening tools can allow athletic trainers (AT) to focus prevention efforts by providing patient risk information. The purpose of this study is to examine lower extremity MSK screening tool practices and perceptions of ATs in traditional settings. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to 4,937 full- and part-time collegiate and secondary school ATs randomly selected by the NATA. MSK screening tools were grouped into 7 categories: Range of Motion (ROM), Strength, Balance, Drop and Jump Landing (D/J Land), Double- and Single-Leg Hopping (D/S Hop), Movement Quality (MQual), and Injury History (History). For each screening tool category, questions assessed MSK screening tool usage, the perceived effectiveness of MSK screening tools to provide relevant injury risk and return to play (RTP) information, and MSK screening tools effect on decisions to implement prevention programs. Results: A total of 372 participants (female=215(48.4%), male=152(34.2%), age=35±10 years, experience=12±10 years, secondary school=194(52.2%), collegiate=178(47.8%)) completed the survey. Participants within our study indicated the used of the following screening tools categories in clinical practice: ROM=339(91.1%), Strength=342(91.9%), Balance=238(64.0%), D/J-Landing=134(36.0%), D/S-Hopping=233(62.6%), MQual=212(57.0%), History=316(85.0%), and None=18(4.8%). Conclusions: ATs in traditional settings indicate that they primarily use ROM, Strength, and History screening tools to gather information concerning LE injury risk and RTP. Implementation of screening tools most frequently occurred post-injury. Lastly, it seemed that intervention prescriptions were consistent regardless of screening tool used, suggesting blanket interventions prescription. This may have been do feelings of moderate effectiveness of these tools to determine injury risk.

scholarly journals Return to Learn After Sport-Related Concussion: A Survey of Secondary School and Collegiate Athletic Trainers

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (10) ◽  
pp. 990-1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea L. Williamson ◽  
Grant E. Norte ◽  
Donna K. Broshek ◽  
Joseph M. Hart ◽  
Jacob E. Resch
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Annual Number ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Return To Learn ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Context Recent recommendations have emphasized return-to-learn (RTL) protocols to aid athletes in recovery from sport-related concussion (SRC) but have been based primarily on anecdotal evidence. Objective To investigate the RTL practices of certified athletic trainers (ATs) after an SRC. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 1083 individuals (27%) from a random sample of 4000 ATs in the National Athletic Trainers' Association membership database completed an electronic survey. Participants consisted of 729 self-identified secondary school ATs (SSATs; 67.3%; experience = 14.0 ± 9.7 years) and 354 self-identified collegiate ATs (CATs; 32.7%; experience = 13.4 ± 9.7 years). Main Outcome Measure(s) We used χ2 analyses to assess respondent differences related to current knowledge, current practices, and available resources. Independent t tests were used to compare SSATs and CATs on years of certification and annual number of SRCs evaluated. Results Of our total respondents, 41.2% (n = 446) correctly indicated the absence of evidence-based RTL guidelines. Whereas most (73.9%, n = 800) respondents had an established RTL policy, only 38.1% (n = 413) used such guidelines in their clinical practice. Most (97.1%, n = 708) SSATs and 82.2% (n = 291) of CATs had access to (a) mental health professional(s); however, minorities of SSATs (21.4%, n = 156) and CATs (37.0%, n = 131) never accessed these resources to care for concussed student-athletes. Conclusions Our results suggested that, despite the absence of empirical evidence, most surveyed ATs incorporated some form of RTL protocol in their SRC management policy. The varying AT knowledge, clinical practices, and resources highlighted by our results should be considered when creating or refining an RTL protocol.

scholarly journals The Self-Efficacy of Certified Athletic Trainers in Assessing and Managing Sport-Related Concussions

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (10) ◽  
pp. 983-989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Savage ◽  
Tracey Covassin
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Self ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers

Context:  Diagnostic and return-to-play assessments of athletes with sport-related concussions (SRCs) have changed dramatically over the past decade. Currently, SRC assessment and management has taken a multifaceted approach, with new SRC measures being developed yearly. However, to date, no researchers have examined certified athletic trainers' (ATs') self-efficacy in assessing and managing a patient with an SRC. Objective:  To examine the self-efficacy of ATs in assessing and managing athletes with SRCs, with a secondary purpose of examining job setting (high school and college). Design:  Cross-sectional study. Setting:  Web-based questionnaire. Patients or Other Participants:  A total of 94 ATs (high school setting = 54.3%, n = 51; collegiate setting = 45.7%, n = 43) completed an online survey, for a response rate of 9.2%. Main Outcome Measure(s):  The survey contained 3 primary subsections: demographics, self-efficacy in assessing SRCs, and self-efficacy in managing SRCs. Possible self-efficacy ratings for SRC assessment and management in the survey ranged from 0 to 100. Multivariate analyses of variance were performed to identify differences in the self-efficacy of high school and collegiate ATs in assessing and managing athletes with SRCs. Results:  The self-efficacy of all 94 participants in their assessment of SRCs was 60.34 ± 14.5 and in their management of SRCs was 55.30 ± 14.1. Collegiate ATs reported higher self-efficacy in the assessment of SRCs using balance (P < .001) and the King-Devick test (P = .04), and their responses approached significance for vestibular-ocular motor screening (P = .05). Additionally, their self-efficacy in the management of SRCs was greater using balance (P < .001) and vestibular-ocular therapy (P = .01) compared with high school ATs. Conclusions:  Athletic trainers had moderate self-efficacy regarding their assessment and management of SRCs. Collegiate ATs had higher self-efficacy in newer SRC assessment and management tools than high school ATs.

scholarly journals Perspectives on Parenthood and Working of Female Athletic Trainers in the Secondary School and Collegiate Settings

2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 459-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leamor Kahanov ◽  
Alice R. Loebsack ◽  
Matthew A. Masucci ◽  
Jeff Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Employment Setting ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
Original Survey

Abstract Context: Female athletic trainers (ATs) are currently underrepresented in the collegiate setting. Parenting and family obligations may play a role in this underrepresentation. Objective: To examine female ATs' perspectives on parenting and working in the secondary school and collegiate employment settings. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 1000 nonstudent, female certified ATs who were currently members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. Main Outcome Measure(s): An original survey was developed to assess perceptions related to motherhood and work responsibilities. Descriptive statistics were used to assess age, years of experience as a certified AT, employment position, and parent or nonparent status. A correlation matrix was conducted to determine factors among parent and nonparent status, perceptions of motherhood, and employment-setting decisions. Results: Of the 1000 surveys sent via e-mail, 411 (41.1%) female ATs responded. Responses indicated that a majority of the female ATs worked in the secondary school setting. Sixty-one percent of the respondents did not have children. Past female ATs' experiences indicated a perception that motherhood created more challenges or struggles (or both) in the work and family settings. Whether parents considered children a factor in employment-setting changes produced conflicting results: no significant correlations or differences were found among responses. Conclusions: Parenting considerations had influences on both the home and employment settings. Although parents and nonparents had different views on the implications of parenting in the workplace, both groups agreed that parenting could affect the work environment and the choice to change employment settings and careers. Administrative decisions need to be considered in relation to parenting concerns. Mentoring that includes employment-setting choices relative to life goals should be provided to ATs, regardless of sex.

scholarly journals Pediatric HEALTHCARE Provider Awareness, Confidence, and Use of Sports Specialization Recommendations and Application towards Youth Athlete Counseling

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0014
Author(s):  
Tamara Valovich McLeod ◽  
Traci Snedden ◽  
Eric Post ◽  
Tracy Zaslow ◽  
Shelly Fetchen-DiCesaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Physician Assistants ◽  
Medical Society ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Sport specialization is increasingly common in many youth sports and has been linked to increased injury, overtraining, and burnout. Several organizations have developed safe sport recommendations in an effort to mitigate injury risk. Healthcare providers (HCPs) can be a source of education for parents and athletes on safe sports practices, but the awareness, confidence, and use of these recommendations among HCPs who work with youth athletes is limited. Hypothesis/Purpose: To evaluate the awareness, confidence, and use of sports specialization and safe sport recommendations of HCPs who work with pediatric athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was developed to assess pediatric HCP awareness of, confidence in, and clinical use of sports specialization recommendations. The survey included 1) personal demographics, 2) professional demographics, 3) knowledge and perceptions of sport specialization, 4) awareness, confidence, and use of recommendations, and 5) HCP program training and professional development background specific to sports specialization. Survey links were sent by email to 5000 secondary school athletic trainers and 297 PRiSM members during October 2019-January 2020. The survey was open for 4 weeks, with a reminder email sent after 2 weeks. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: The survey was accessed by 620 HCPs (access rate=11.7%) and completed by 508 HCPs (completion rate=81.9%). Respondents (279 females, 228 males; age=37.2±10.5 years) included athletic trainers (74.5%, n=379), physicians (16.9%, n=86, physical therapists (6.7%, n=35), nurse practitioners (1.0%, n=5), and physician assistants (0.1%, n=4) with 11.2±9.1 years of experience providing care to pediatric athletes. Three-fourths of respondents (n=373) were aware of recommendations from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, but fewer were aware of those from the American Academic of Pediatrics (42.3%, n=212), American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (40.3%, n=200), American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (45.2%, n=225), International Olympic Committee (14.2%, n=69), Major League Baseball (30.6%, n=151), USA Hockey (13.6%, n=66), and National Basketball League (9.3%, n=45). The percentage of respondents who were confident in knowledge of (Table 1) and used (Table 2) each organization’s recommendation are provided in the tables. Table 3 presents the degree to which various reasons limit the use of sports specialization recommendations. Conclusion: Healthcare providers are aware of sport specialization recommendations and believe they are associated with decreased risk of injury. However, barriers to applying the recommendations most cited were the inability of parents and children to change specialization behaviors. Future research should focus on implementation of recommendations to enact behavior change. Tables [Table: see text][Table: see text][Table: see text]

scholarly journals Exploring Predictors of Moral Disengagement in Collegiate Athletic Trainers

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-104
Author(s):  
Ross Budziszewski ◽  
Scott A. Graupensperger ◽  
Matthew Vierimaa
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Cluster Solution ◽  
Cross Sectional

Context Considering recent high-profile reports of malpractice and negligence by National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletic trainers (ATs), it is prudent to investigate the psychological mechanisms that may influence ATs' ability to justify unethical behaviors. When treating injured student-athletes, ATs may undergo a cognitive process known as moral disengagement, which involves convincing oneself that ethical standards do not apply in a particular context. Objective To explore the psychological factors and traits among ATs that may predict moral disengagement pertaining to allowing athletes to play through injuries. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 187 Division I, II, and III ATs from 100 NCAA universities. Main Outcome Measure(s) In addition to the primary outcome variable of moral disengagement, the survey captured the AT's demographic background, sport and athletic training histories, and measures of sport ethic, contesting orientations, commitment, and social identity. Results Cluster analysis was used to identify homogeneous subgroups of participants based on these variables. A 2-cluster solution emerged, with cluster 1 (n = 94) scoring higher in the sport-ethic and sport-contesting orientations but lower in commitment and social identity compared with cluster 2 (n = 93). An independent-samples t test revealed that moral disengagement was highest (t185 = 19.59, P < .001, d = 0.69) among ATs in cluster 1. Conclusions These findings advance our understanding of the psychological processes that may predict moral disengagement of ATs in allowing student-athletes to play through injury. Although additional research is needed to test whether moral disengagement influences return-to-play decisions, we provide initial evidence that ATs who conform to sport norms (eg, “no pain, no gain”) and who tend to view sport competition with a “war-like” orientation are more likely to morally disengage.

scholarly journals Symptom cluster is associated with prolonged return-to-play in symptomatic athletes with acute respiratory illness (including COVID-19): a cross-sectional study—AWARE study I

2021 ◽  
pp. bjsports-2020-103782
Author(s):  
Martin Schwellnus ◽  
Nicola Sewry ◽  
Carolette Snyders ◽  
Kelly Kaulback ◽  
Paola Silvia Wood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Symptom Cluster ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Multiple Model ◽  
Acute Respiratory Illness ◽  
Cross Sectional

BackgroundThere are no data relating symptoms of an acute respiratory illness (ARI) in general, and COVID-19 specifically, to return to play (RTP).ObjectiveTo determine if ARI symptoms are associated with more prolonged RTP, and if days to RTP and symptoms (number, type, duration and severity) differ in athletes with COVID-19 versus athletes with other ARI.DesignCross-sectional descriptive study.SettingOnline survey.ParticipantsAthletes with confirmed/suspected COVID-19 (ARICOV) (n=45) and athletes with other ARI (ARIOTH) (n=39).MethodsParticipants recorded days to RTP and completed an online survey detailing ARI symptoms (number, type, severity and duration) in three categories: ‘nose and throat’, ‘chest and neck’ and ‘whole body’. We report the association between symptoms and RTP (% chance over 40 days) and compare the days to RTP and symptoms (number, type, duration and severity) in ARICOV versus ARIOTH subgroups.ResultsThe symptom cluster associated with more prolonged RTP (lower chance over 40 days; %) (univariate analysis) was ‘excessive fatigue’ (75%; p<0.0001), ‘chills’ (65%; p=0.004), ‘fever’ (64%; p=0.004), ‘headache’ (56%; p=0.006), ‘altered/loss sense of smell’ (51%; p=0.009), ‘Chest pain/pressure’ (48%; p=0.033), ‘difficulty in breathing’ (48%; p=0.022) and ‘loss of appetite’ (47%; p=0.022). ‘Excessive fatigue’ remained associated with prolonged RTP (p=0.0002) in a multiple model. Compared with ARIOTH, the ARICOV subgroup had more severe disease (greater number, more severe symptoms) and more days to RTP (p=0.0043).ConclusionSymptom clusters may be used by sport and exercise physicians to assist decision making for RTP in athletes with ARI (including COVID-19).

scholarly journals Practices of Athletic Trainers Using Weight Charts to Determine Hydration Status and Fluid Intervention Strategies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy M. Eith ◽  
Clint R. Haggard ◽  
Dawn M. Emerson ◽  
Susan W. Yeargin
Keyword(s):  
Intercollegiate Athletics ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
National Association ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Body Mass Change

Context Determining an athlete's hydration status allows hydration-related concerns to be identified before significant medical or performance concerns arise. Weight charts are an accurate measure of hydration status changes, yet their clinical use by athletic trainers (ATs) is unknown. Objective To investigate ATs' use of weight charts in athletic settings and describe their subsequent clinical decisions. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting High schools and National Collegiate Athletic Association Divisions I, II, III and National Association Intercollegiate Athletics colleges. Patients or Other Participants A total of 354 ATs (men = 162, women = 17; 17 respondents did not answer the demographic questions) responded across athletic settings (Division I [45.7%]; Division II, Division III, National Association Intercollegiate Athletics combined [n = 19.9%]; and high school [34.4%]). Main Outcome Measure(s) The 26-question online survey was developed by content experts and pilot tested before data collection. Participants answered questions focused on weight-chart use (implementation, timing, and calculations) and clinical decision processes (policies, interventions, and referral). Frequency statistics were calculated. Results The majority of ATs (57.2%) did not use weight charts. Of those who did, most (76.0%) used charts with football, soccer (28%), and wrestling (6%) athletes. They calculated changes as either an absolute (42.2%) or percentage (36.7%) change from prepractice to postpractice; only 11.7% used a baseline weight for calculations. Of those who used the percentage change in body mass, 66.0% selected a threshold of −3% to −4% for an intervention. Most ATs (97.0%) intervened with oral education, whereas only one-third (37.0%) provided specific fluid amounts based on body mass changes. Conclusions Typically, ATs in athletic settings did not use weight charts. They considered a body mass change of –3% the indication for intervention but did not specify rehydration amounts for hypohydrated athletes. Educational workshops or technology applications could be developed to encourage ATs to use weight charts and calculate appropriate individual fluid interventions for their athletes.

scholarly journals Exploring Athletic Trainers' Self-Confidence for Interpreting Results from Concussion Assessments

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 756-756
Author(s):  
N R D’Amico ◽  
T Covassin ◽  
N Murray ◽  
P Schatz ◽  
R J Elbin
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Neurocognitive Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
Concussion Management ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Abstract Purpose To explore athletic trainers' self-confidence for interpreting results from concussion assessments. Methods An online survey was administered via the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) membership listserv to a cross-sectional sample of 10,000 certified athletic trainers (ATCs) employed in high school and collegiate settings. The survey included: 1) ATC demographics (i.e., age, sex, years of experience); 2) ATC concussion management practices (i.e., previous concussion training, continuing education received on concussion, concussion assessments administered); and 3) a 4-point Likert scale (1=no confidence, 4=high confidence) assessing ATC self-confidence for interpreting results from concussion assessments. A total of 725 ATCs completed the survey yielding a response rate of 7.25%; 114 were excluded for missing data and 611 ATCs were included in final analyses. Sample demographics, ATC concussion management practices, and ATC self-confidence scores were examined with demographic statistics (i.e., means, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages) for 16 commonly used concussion assessments. Results The sample of ATCs (mean age 38.97±14.89 years) was predominately female (59.2%) and reported an average of 10.08±7.58 years of clinical experience. Clinical examinations (63.2%) and symptom scales (61.4%) were among the most frequent assessments with high ATC self-confidence for interpretation. Vestibular/oculomotor measures (27.2%) and computerized neurocognitive testing (26.2%) were among the most frequent assessments with low ATC self-confidence for interpretation. Conclusion Low ATC self-confidence scores for interpreting results from vestibular/oculomotor measures and computerized neurocognitive testing highlight the importance of incorporating a multi-disciplinary team approach and including sport neuropsychologists for the proper management of concussion.

scholarly journals Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of Their Transition to Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley B. Thrasher ◽  
Stacy E. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Organizational Values ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Transition To Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Organizational Transition ◽  
Administrative Procedures ◽  
Strongly Agree

Context Newly credentialed athletic trainers (ATs) have reported stress and role ambiguity during the transition to practice. Previous researchers focused on their qualitative experiences, yet no investigators have explored how characteristics such as the setting or type of educational program affect the transition to practice. Objective To determine how newly credentialed ATs perceived their transition to practice. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants Of 1835 newly credentialed ATs (18%) certified and employed between January and September, 332 completed the survey within 3 months of employment (129 men, 203 women; age = 23.58 ± 2.54 years). Main Outcome Measure(s) The survey consisted of demographic information (eg, employment setting, job title) and 3 sections: (1) comfort level during the transition (CL), (2) feelings of mentorship and support (MS), and (3) feelings of organizational transition. Participants identified their feelings of nervousness, support, and understanding organizational values using a Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 4 = strongly agree). Descriptive statistics were calculated for each survey item. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis (H) tests were used to determine associations between different demographic characteristics and responses regarding orientation and CL, MS, and feelings of organizational transition. Results Most participants agreed or strongly agreed that they felt nervous (n = 264, 79.2%) and that the transition was stressful (n = 227, 68.1%) but they felt prepared for their job (n = 262, 78.7%). No differences in CL were present among settings (H = 5.64, P = .228), job titles (H = 4.88, P = .087), or types of professional program (U = 6488, P = .279). Respondents who were assigned a mentor reported better perceptions of MS (U = 6250, P &lt; .001). Most participants felt that supervisors adequately explained administrative procedures during orientation (n = 169, 54.3%) and felt they were adequately oriented to organizational values (n = 252, 75.7%). Conclusions New ATs felt nervous when entering their new role, but having a mentor and receiving a detailed orientation helped alleviate stress during the transition to practice.

scholarly journals Athletic Trainer Perceptions of Life-Work Balance and Parenting Concerns

2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 416-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey E. Eberman ◽  
Leamor Kahanov
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
School Settings ◽  
Occupational Setting ◽  
Female Employees ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
Life Work

Context: Life-work balance may be one reason for retention concerns among athletic trainers (ATs), yet evidence does not exist to support the supposition. Objective: To assess the perceptions of ATs regarding life-work balance, specifically on parenting issues. Design: Survey. Setting: Online survey at www.surveymonkey.com. Patients or Other Participants: A random sample of National Athletic Trainers' Association members (N = 9516) received the survey; 20.6% (n = 1962; male = 954, female = 816; age = 37 ± 10 years, experience = 13 ± 9 years) completed any portion of the survey. Most respondents worked in the college/university (34.5%, n = 657 of 1908) and secondary school settings (25.9%, n = 476 of 1908). A majority of participants (50.7%, n = 898 of 1770) were parents. Intervention(s): We calculated frequencies and percentages and used Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests to identify the differences between sexes and among job settings on life-work balance measures among parents. Main Outcome Measures: The questionnaire included 8 life-work balance items, 7 parenting challenge items, and 3 nonparent items. Results: The results indicate that sex and setting significantly affected perceptions about parenting. Males articulated a stronger sense of difficulty in finding balance as a working parent (P &lt; .001; 1.95 ± 1.98). Females felt more strongly than males that managing work and family was stressful (P = .04; 3.86 ± 1.13) and caused burnout (P = .004; 3.50 ± 1.24), and that their energy tended to fall short of their needs (P &lt; .001; 3.74 ± 1.15). The decision not to have children was strongly affected by the work setting (P = .014; 3.37 ± 1.42). Both college/university (4.14 ± 0.85) and secondary school (4.03 ± 0.90) ATs would prefer to spend more time at home, as compared with ATs in other settings (P &lt; .001). College/university ATs (P = .025; 3.17 ± 1.23) felt most strongly that their families were neglected because of work. In none of the settings did ATs feel that their employment settings were particularly tolerant of their parenting responsibilities (P = .027; 1.72 ± 1.97). Conclusions: Male and female employees had similar perceptions of life-work balance, but occupational setting may affect these perceptions.

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