Australian Athletes' Knowledge of Performance Enhancing Substances

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine Australian athletes' knowledge of the banned status of four commonly known performance enhancing substances (PES) from the WADA Prohibited Substances List and the desired and adverse effects of these PES METHODS: As part of a comprehensive questionnaire, 30 substances including amphetamines, anabolic steroids (AAS), growth hormone (GH) and erythropoietin (EPO) were required to be identified as banned at all times, banned in-competition only or don't know. Open questions probed knowledge of the desired and adverse effects of these four PES. RESULTS: We recruited 1990 elite athletes (mean age 21 yr, 60% male). On average, 58% of athletes correctly identified the banned status of the four PES and 10% did not know. Amphetamines were incorrectly believed by 91% of athletes to be banned at all times and 28% did not know the status of EPO. The correct desired effects of the PES were provided by 49% of athletes, but 35% could not answer. The majority of athletes (74%) correctly identified increased arousal/competitiveness as a reason for stimulant use. The desired effects of AAS and GH were well known where 93% and 81% of athletes respectively correctly named increased muscle mass and strength as benefits. EPO was least well answered whereby 58% of athletes could not name a desired effect. By contrast, overall athlete knowledge of the side effects of the four PES was merely fair. Only 29% of athletes correctly named a side effect for the four PES whereas 59% of athletes could not provide answers. Heart and psychiatric problems were the most commonly identified side effects of Stimulants. With respect to AAS, male specific and psychological adverse effects were mostly named. Knowledge of the side effects of Growth Hormone was poor in athletes where a range of effects (18%) and bone growth (12%) were listed as the favoured adverse effects. Over half of athletes provided incorrect answers and 61% could not offer an answer. Although a range of side effects and clots were the most common side effects of EPO given, EPO was the most poorly understood substance where 78% of athletes could not provide an answer. CONCLUSIONS: Athlete knowledge of well known PES is limited. Development of specific drug education targeting PES is warranted. Supported by Department Health and Ageing Anti-Doping Research Program Grant