Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the medical students’ knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward sports medicine and to help identify the educational gaps and factors influencing the perceptions to guide the curriculum development and future interventions.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 175 fourth-year medical students from three Saudi universities. The structured questionnaire assessed demographics, awareness, attitude, knowledge, and confidence in managing sports-related injuries.
Results: Out of 175 participants, 111 (63.4%) were females. Most were 17–23 years old (140, 80.0%) and Saudi nationals. Only 47 (26.9%) had formal sports medicine training, 94 (53.7%) practiced sports, and 62 (35.4%) reported a history of prior injuries. Students’ awareness was mostly moderate (75, 42.9%), with only 15 (8.6%) rating high/very high. The positive attitude were noted in 103 (59.0%). Their level of knowledge was high, with 163 (93.1%) correctly defining sports medicine, and 145 (82.9%) identifying sprains/strains as common injuries. Formal training (p-value = 0.020) and practicing sports (p-value = 0.003) were significantly associated with higher awareness.
Conclusion: Medical students displayed fair awareness, positive attitude, and strong basic knowledge of sports medicine, though their confidence and practical application were limited. Formal training and personal sports experience positively influenced outcomes. Integrating structured modules, hands-on training, and preventive education into curricula are essential to strengthen competence and support public health goals.

Key words: Sports medicine, medical students, awareness, knowledge, attitude