Graduation Year
2025
Degree Name
Master of Public Health
Document Type
Capstone
First Advisor
Anthony Santella
Abstract
Previous research has shown an increase in the prevalence of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) among athletes, as well as a lack of awareness in both athletes and support staff. Athletes' lack of awareness increases their risk of developing the condition, which may result in long-term negative health consequences. The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness of RED-S among athletes at Fairfield University. Individuals who were over the age of 18 and were varsity or club athletes at Fairfield University during the 2024-2025 academic year were eligible to participate in this study. Knowledge of RED-S signs and symptoms was assessed through a previously validated questionnaire. Bivariate analyses were used to compare the knowledge score among the male and female student-athletes, as well as competition level (varsity or club). There was no statistically significant difference in knowledge score between competition level or gender. However, the mean knowledge score for varsity (11.3; 62.8%) and female (11.1; 61.7%) athletes was higher than the mean for club (8.16; 45.3%) and male (7.6; 42.2%) athletes. Nearly all student-athletes (92.3%) were unaware of any RED-S resources available to them at the university. Given the overall knowledge score of 10.2 (56.7%) and nearly all the student-athletes being unaware of the terms RED-S, low energy availability, and the female athlete triad, the findings of this study suggest that athletes at Fairfield University have an inadequate level of knowledge and awareness of RED-S and its implications. This study highlights the need for various RED-S specific educational resources and tailored interventions to promote awareness of the topic.