The Examination of the Knowledge Level of Young Papuan Female Athletes about Female Athletes Triad (FAT)

Gambaran Pengetahuan Atlet Remaja Putri Papua mengenai Female Athletes Triad (FAT)

FAT Knowledge Papua Indigenous Papuan Young Female Athletes

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28 November 2023
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Background: Female Athletes Triad (FAT) is a syndrome characterized by impaired energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone density. FAT might interfere with the health and performance of young female athletes in training and competition, which causes a decrease in achievement. Research on FAT is still limited in Indonesia, especially on indigenous Papuans.

Objectives: To obtain a description of young Papuan female athletes' knowledge of FAT, including the three main components of FAT: danger, impacts, and risk factors for FAT.

Methods: The total sample was 61 young female athletes with a convenience sampling technique. The survey method used a questionnaire consisting of questions related to athlete characteristics (age, ethnicity, training duration, and sports) and eight questions about FAT knowledge; it includes the three main components of FAT (osteoporosis, menstrual disorders, eating disorders), dangers and impacts, and the risk factors (age and physical activity).

Results: Young Papua female athletes (80.33%) lacked knowledge about FAT. Most athletes (80.33%) had never heard of FAT. Most of the sample failed to identify FAT's three main components and risk factors correctly. Only five athletes (8.20%) correctly answered questions about fracture occurrence. Only six athletes (9.84%) could identify FAT components entirely and correctly, and about 11 (18.30%) answered correctly regarding the risk of excessive physical activity in athletes. Finally, only 23 athletes (37.70%) correctly answered questions about age.

Conclusions: Young female Papuan athletes lack knowledge about the FAT components and risk factors.