Date of Award
Fall 2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Department
Public Policy and Administration
Committee Chairperson
Angela Kline, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Michelle Wade, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Selen Razon, Ph.D.
Abstract
Student athletes in socioeconomically disadvantaged schools are the least likely to have access to athletic trainers (ATs) because their schools cannot afford them. When ATs are present, they are most likely to identify, treat, and report concussions. Therefore, student athletes in socioeconomically disadvantaged schools are disproportionately impacted by concussion and its potential side effects. This is a qualitative study that used document analysis to conduct a comparative analysis across public schools in Connecticut and surveys to analyze perceptions of athletic staff members. The results of this research indicate that schools that have the most access to ATs (2 employed Full-Time) are also more socioeconomically advantaged. On the other hand, schools that have no access to athletic trainers (none employed) are also more socioeconomically disadvantaged. Additionally, athletic staff members agree that public policy and public funds should be used to mandate the presence of ATs in schools. Based on this evidence it is recommended that Connecticut implement policy and allocate funds to mandate the presence of ATs in all public schools beginning with those that are socioeconomically disadvantaged.
Recommended Citation
Fonseca, Sharday, "Assessing Socioeconomic Differences and Perceptions to Increase the Presence of Athletic Trainers in Disadvantaged Schools" (2025). West Chester University Doctoral Projects. 341.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_doctoral/341