Previous literature has identified the relationship between the incidence of concussion and sports played. Further delineations occur between collision versus non-collision sports, contact versus non-contact sports, and athlete gender. We aimed to examine the relationship between incidence of concussion and sport played, and if incidence correlated with increased level of contact or with differences in gender. We undertook this study to better understand why there may be a rise in concussion incidence, especially in non-contact sports and any differences in concussion incidence in sex comparable sports. The cross-sectional study design uses a large data set collected on collegiate athletic teams at universities within the PAC-12 Conference between 2016 and 2022. Each concussion was diagnosed based on the clinical assessment of the evaluating sports medicine physician. The uniqueness of this data is due to diversity in population, broad location of subjects, and sport. I will analyze concussion incidence data from all PAC-12 athletes using descriptive statistics to describe the population and incidence rates to measure differences across the various groups. We believe that our findings will show women’s sports have a higher rate of concussion than men’s. Athletes participating in collision sports such as football may not necessarily be more likely to sustain a concussion than those who play limited or non-contact sports. There has been an increase in reporting, although it is unclear whether the rise is due to an increase in reporting, actual incidence, or a little of both. The information from this study will be useful in determining where additional concussion education and prevention measures should be directed. 

Latinx individuals in rural communities face significant barriers to accessing non-pharmacological treatments for chronic pain, especially Spanish-speaking populations. Many evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exercise programs, have not been adapted to align with the cultural values and needs of Latinx patients.  To address this gap, a multi-pronged nurse care management model is being adapted to align with the cultural norms, values, and needs of Latinx patients with chronic pain. This model integrates culturally adapted versions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the Enhance Fitness exercise program, and care coordination. Ten primarily Spanish-speaking adult participants (18+) living with chronic pain were recruited through partnerships with a community organization and a healthcare provider. Virtual community engagement sessions will be conducted from February - July 2025 using a structured framework to ensure adequate cultural adaptation. Participants will provide feedback on recruitment strategies, study materials (such as consent forms), and overall study design. Their insights will be analyzed to identify key themes in adapting the intervention for Latinx communities. Participants are compensated for their time. Preliminary findings will be presented on making healthcare interventions more culturally relevant and accessible to Spanish-speaking populations. Emerging themes are expected to include the need for culturally appropriate language, the importance of family dynamics in healthcare decisions, and the best ways to engage Latinx communities in research. By engaging directly with Latinx patients, this project aims to ensure that chronic pain treatments are not just effective but also accessible and culturally meaningful. These insights will help improve healthcare interventions for underserved populations.