Abstract
BACKGROUND: Professional cricket players are at significant risk for injuries, yet research on injury prevention knowledge and practices in Nepal is limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices related to sports injuries among professional cricket players in Nepal. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires among 124 professional cricket players. A 16-item questionnaire assessed knowledge, while a 15-item Likert scale evaluated practices. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and inferential analyses. Parametric tests (t-test, ANOVA) were used for practice scores, and non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H) were applied to knowledge scores. RESULTS: 75.8% of players reported a history of injuries, with an average of 0.99 yearly injuries. Male cricketers demonstrated significantly higher knowledge (median = 10.0 vs. 7.0, p < 0.001) and practice scores (36.81 ± 4.54 vs. 32.30 ± 4.80, p < 0.001) compared to female players. National-level players showed better knowledge (median = 12.0 vs. 9.0, p = 0.002) than domestic-level players. Players with previous injury history exhibited higher practice scores (36.44 ± 4.69 vs. 33.47 ± 5.26, p = 0.004). Professional cricket experience positively correlated with both knowledge (r = 0.406, p < 0.001) and practice scores (r = 0.382, p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge and practice scores (r = 0.401, p < 0.001). Full-time availability of medical staff and easier access to medical services were associated with significantly higher knowledge and practice scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge and practice regarding sports injuries varied significantly by gender, playing level, and access to medical services. The positive correlation between knowledge and practice highlights the importance of enhancing players' understanding to improve injury prevention practices.