P-62 * THE DIFFERENCE OF ATTITUDE TOWARD DOPING BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN IN JAPAN

Abstract

Object. Drug abuse, most notably anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use, in athletes is thought to be widespread. A few drug abusers and persons who express acceptance of drug abuse in sports are known to be present in Japan as well. We investigated the state of drug abuse and attitudes toward drug abuse in sports in a Japanese physical education university from the viewpoint of anti-doping. We report the difference of the attitude toward doping between men and women in Japan this time. Methods. The study sample was comprised of students attending a physical educational uni/versity in Japan. An anonymous self-completed questionnaire was given out in two classes at the beginning of the semester in 2012. The questionnaire had 5 sections covering responder's drug use, attitudes toward doping, a hypothetical situation on an athlete's drug use, dietary supplements, and what the responder eats or drinks before playing a game. The difference between men and women to each answer was analyzed by non-parametric test (Friedmann test or χ2 test). Results. The response rate for the 2011 questionnaire was 100%. There were 2 admitted drug abusers in men and 1 in women. In Section II, which included a question on what the responder thought of doping, 19% in men and 15% in women selected good. There is no statistic difference between men and women. Section III presented a hypothetical situation whereby the respondent would use a drug undetectable by doping control, win a gold medal and have a lifespan of only 5 years thereafter. In answer to the question of whether the respondent would use the drug under those conditions, 19.6% in men and 6.1% in. women However there is no statistic difference between men and women. Conclusions. The statistic differences of the attitude toward doping between men and women were not recognized. It is necessary to continue this survey for some years and check whether these results do not change.