Prevalence and correlates of dry scooping: Results from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors

Abstract

Dry scooping is a novel dietary practice characterized by consuming pre-workout powders without mixing with a liquid as directed. Despite purported benefits of this practice, such as increased energy due to the high concentration of caffeine, there are potential harms of engagement. To date, no known empirical research has investigated dry scooping in epidemiological research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the prevalence and correlates of dry scooping among a sample of Canadian adolescents and young adults. Data from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors (N = 2731) were analyzed. Prevalence of any dry scooping in the past 12 months among the overall sample, and by gender, was estimated. Modified Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the adjusted associations between sociodemographic and descriptive characteristics and dry scooping. Overall, 16.9 % of the sample reported dry scooping in the past 12 months, which was significantly more common among men (21.8 %) compared to women (14.2 %) and transgender/gender non-confirming participants (8.0 %). Participants who reported weight training, greater time spent on social media, and clinically significant symptoms of muscle dysmorphia were more likely to report dry scooping, while sexual minorities, relative to heterosexual participants, and those with higher education were less likely to report dry scooping. This study is the first known epidemiological study of dry scooping, underscoring the common nature of this contemporary dietary behavior. Findings emphasize the need for future research and prevention and intervention efforts to protect the health and well-being of young people.