Health challenges in outdoor sports competitions in Indonesia: A descriptive analysis

A Descriptive Analysis

Abstract

Background: Weather plays a significant role in influencing health issues during outdoor sports competitions. However, limited studies have specifically examined the impact of weather on health problems in such settings. This study investigates the association between weather, measured by Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), and health issues during outdoor sports competitions.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Indonesia from August 2023 to July 2024. Data were collected from four running races, four land vehicle races (three motorcycle and one car race), and two soccer competitions. Weather conditions were monitored using WBGT, and health problems were recorded among participants requiring medical assistance. Statistical analysis assessed the relationship between weather conditions and health issues, with significance at p<0.05.

Results: According to WBGT, motorcycle and car races were held under high-risk weather conditions, soccer was under moderate risk, and running was under low risk. A total of 209 health-related incidents were reported, including 104 injuries and 105 illnesses. There were 151 health issues in running competitions, 17 in soccer, and 41 in motorcycle and car racing events. The types of injuries and illnesses varied by sport. Motorcycle racing was associated with a 15.5-fold increase in health problems (p<0.001), while competition under moderate-to-high-risk weather conditions increased the risk of health issues by 7.7 times (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Weather conditions are strongly associated with health problems in outdoor sports competitions. Moderate-to-high-risk weather significantly increases the risk of health issues.