A policy impact analysis of the mandatory NCAA sickle cell trait screening program.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To estimate the impact of the mandatory National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sickle cell trait (SCT) screening policy on the identification of sickle cell carriers and prevention of sudden death.

Data source

We used NCAA reports, population-based SCT prevalence estimates, and published risks for exercise-related sudden death attributable to SCT.

Study design

We estimated the number of sickle cell carriers identified and the number of potentially preventable sudden deaths with mandatory SCT screening of NCAA Division I athletes. We calculated the number of student-athletes with SCT using a conditional probability based upon SCT prevalence data and self-identified race/ethnicity status. We estimated sudden deaths over 10 years based on published att

SUBMITTER: Tarini BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3288389 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature