Validating the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool to Improve Surveillance of Mental Health Issues Among Canadian Varsity Athletes

Abstract

Varsity athletes experience an array of stressors as they are expected to excel in their schooling and athletic competition. This study examined the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5 (SCAT-5) symptom evaluation scale as a potential screening tool for anxiety and depression symptoms among varsity athletes at baseline. The sample consisted of 436 varsity athletes from York University. Two model structures of the SCAT-5 symptom evaluation scale were compared to identify which model best represents varsity athlete’s symptom profiles at baseline. Structural equation modelling and receiver operating characteristic analysis were conducted to assess construct validity and discriminative ability in identifying mental health concerns across both models. Anderson’s model provided a better model fit, structure, and discriminative ability than the ICD-10 PCS model. These findings support the SCAT-5 as a dual-purpose tool for concussion assessment and mental health screening, facilitating earlier support for athletes and informing future sport policies on mental health.