Synthesis of key findings from a qualitative study on injury prevention and management in sport in Senegal

In a qualitative study, we explored injury prevention and management in elite sport in Senegal using a grounded theory approach. Sixteen stakeholders (athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals) were interviewed to gain insight into their practices, experiences, and perceptions within a resource-limited context. Findings indicated that injury prevention largely relied on individual initiatives, driven by experience rather than structured frameworks. Although stakeholders expressed a willingness to raise awareness, preventive actions remained predominantly reactive and were often implemented only after injury occurrence. Education emerged as a key lever to enhance athlete engagement; however, its integration into sustainable routines remained limited. Injury management was characterised by a substantial gap between theoretical recommendations and real-world practice. Financial constraints, limited access to specialised care, and shortcomings in insurance systems led to improvised management strategies, frequently overseen by coaches. This context contributed to early and poorly supervised return-to-sport decisions, which were rarely based on standardised criteria. The use of traditional medicine was common, and pain was often normalised. The sporting environment was further shaped by precarious infrastructure, organisational instability, and sociocultural barriers, particularly regarding gender and mental health. Coaches emerged as central figures with multiple roles, yet insufficient support. These findings highlight the need to develop contextualised, accessible, and culturally adapted prevention strategies, particularly in the lead-up to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.