Development And Validation Of A Questionnaire To Assess Knowledge Of Female Athlete Triad And Relative Energy Deficiency In Sport Among Healthcare Professionals

Background: The Female Athlete Triad FAT first described in 1992 consists of disordered eating menstrual dysfunction and low bone mineral density. It was later broadened to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport REDS recognized by the IOC in 2014 which results from low energy availability and affects multiple body systems including bone health immunity and cardiovascular function. Awareness of FAT and REDS among healthcare professionals is limited particularly among physiotherapists, general practitioners and gynaecologists. This lack of knowledge hinders early diagnosis and management increasing long term health risks for athletes.

Aims and Objectives: Aim: To develop and validate a structured questionnaire for healthcare professionals to assess knowledge of Female Athlete Triad FAT and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport REDS.

Objectives:

Develop a questionnaire based on literature and expert input Establish content validity through expert review Pilot test the questionnaire for feasibility clarity and initial reliability Assess reliability and validity using statistical measures Evaluate healthcare professionals knowledge of FAT and REDS

Methodology: Design: Cross sectional mixed methods study Population: Healthcare professionals in sports related fields with minimum one year of experience Phases: Phase 1 Expert review 10 experts for content validity Phase 2 Pilot testing 30 professionals for clarity and reliability Phase 3 Large scale validation 150 to 200 professionals for psychometric properties Phase 4 Knowledge assessment 200 to 250 professionals Tools: Structured self administered questionnaire consisting of multiple choice and Likert scale questions Analysis: Cronbachs alpha ICC exploratory factor analysis Chi square t test and ANOVA using SPSS 26

Results: The expected outcomes include: A valid and reliable questionnaire with good internal consistency Cronbachs alpha 08 or more Clear evidence of construct validity and test retest reliability Categorization of healthcare professionals knowledge levels into low, moderate and high

Conclusion: This study will provide a validated questionnaire to assess healthcare professionals knowledge of FAT and REDS. The tool will help identify gaps in awareness and guide future educational programs enabling early recognition prevention and management of REDS among female athletes ultimately improving athlete health and performance.