Qualitative study on injury prevention and management in Senegalese elite sport reveals coach's central role (bjsm.bmj.com)

• Injury prevention in Senegal is informal, experience-based, and reactive; no structured programmes like FIFA 11+ are implemented.
• Coaches frequently perform medical, educational, and emotional roles due to lack of accessible healthcare and support staff.
• Traditional healers are widely used due to affordability; mental health stigma and gender-based barriers limit care for women athletes.

"A grounded theory study explored injury prevention and management in elite Senegalese sport through 16 interviews with athletes, coaches, and health professionals. Findings show prevention is informal and reactive, coaches act as de facto medical and psychosocial providers, and care is hindered by limited resources, traditional medicine use, and cultural stigmas. The study was conducted as Senegal prepares for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar."