The knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of the female athlete triad amongst cheerleaders in Singapore

• Main Author: Chan, Royce Dian Ting
• Other Authors: -
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2021
• Subjects: Science::General
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/153098
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The Female Athlete Triad (FATr) is a condition which manifests in eating disorders, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. Its effects are possibly deadly and can cause irreversible damage to one’s health and well-being. Aesthetic sports athletes are at elevated risks of the FATr due to the added scrutiny towards their weight and body image, stemming from associating being lightweight with attractiveness and better performance. This study seeks to analyse the degree of knowledge, awareness, and perception amongst Singaporean cheerleaders on the FATr while illustrating any inherent gender differences. A cross-sectional survey comprising a 30-item questionnaire was developed and administered to 100 Singaporean cheerleaders (50 males; 50 females) to obtain data on their demographic, knowledge & awareness, and perceptions towards the FATr. A 100% response rate was attained. Data on participant demographics, levels of knowledge and awareness, and perceptions toward the FATr were examined. A significant knowledge & awareness gap was found amongst cheerleaders. Only 91% of them were aware of the FATr’s existence, and 75% fared poorly in terms of knowledge. No significant differences in knowledge and awareness were observed between genders (p = 0.05). Misconceptions on body weight, body composition, menstrual irregularity and performance factors were rampant. An adapted three-pronged approach establish a framework to mitigate address the knowledge & awareness gap and dispel misperceptions to ensure a safe sporting environment and improve competency in identifying and preventing FATr, especially for at-risk athletes.