Introduction to the questionnaire
Mental health issues are common among the general population. Physical activity can have a protective effect against mental health issues. Currently there is a lack of research and awareness of mental health issues (like depression, anxiety, sleep disorders etc.) in endurance athletes. It is however important that mental health symptoms and disorders are recognized early, and treatment started where appropriate.
The aim of the study is to examine mental health issues in endurance athletes (e.g., runners, triathletes, cyclists, swimmers, cross county skier etc.) to provide information on mental health issues to health care providers, athletes, and coaches.
Informed Consent
You are invited to take part in the study “Prevalence of mental health issues in endurance athletes: a pilot study”.
The data collection will be performed based on a self-reported online questionnaire designed to capture information about:
1) General profile (like age, gender, height, weight, etc.)
2) General medical history, training, and competition history.
3) Several established mental health questionnaires to assess mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, sleeping problems, eating habits, gambling habits, substance use habits or exercise habits.
Participating in the study is voluntary and you will not incur any cost, nor will you receive any financial compensation. You can decline to take part in the research at any time by exiting the questionnaire or decline to answer any further questions or not submitting your answers at the end of the questionnaire without incurring any penalties. Please note you will not be asked for any personal identifiable information like name, date of birth etc. All information will be treated with confidentiality. Should at any stage during the questionnaire you feel that your mental health may be affected, and you would like to speak to someone or get assessed further please get in touch with your local medical provider for further advice.
The survey should take around 20 minutes to complete.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this study feel free to contact the lead investigator: Volker Scheer, MD. Ultra Sports Science Foundation (v.scheer@ultrasportsscience.org). The results once published in a scientific journal will be made available on the website https://www.ultrasportsscience.org.
