Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale Research Articles

Validation of the Arabic version of the performance enhancement attitude scale (PEAS)

BackgroundDoping is a significant issue among athletes worldwide, not only during competitions but even more so in the preparation phase to boost their performance. Understanding athletes' attitudes toward doping is crucial for designing interventions that support anti-doping efforts. ObjectivesThis study aims at validating an Arabic version of the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS), thereby providing a valuable tool for further doping research in Arabic-speaking countries. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study using a predesigned interview questionnaire to collect general characteristics data from 200 adult athletes of both sexes recruited from different sports clubs in Alexandria, Egypt. The PEAS was translated to Arabic and then back to English to ensure accuracy. The reliability of the PEAS was measured by internal consistency and split-half reliability using Cronbach's α coefficient. Construct validity was determined by factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an acceptable fit (X2 = 194.196, X2/df = 4.35, SRMR = 0.068, CFI = 0.92). ResultsThe α coefficient for the Arabic version of the PEAS (17 items) was 0.872, indicating a high degree of internal consistency. The split-half reliability was 0.812. ConclusionsThe study results show that the Arabic version of the PEAS (17 items) is a valid and reliable instrument to assess attitudes toward doping among Arabic-speaking athletes.

Beliefs and Practices Levels Associated with Use of Performance Enhancing Substances and Methods among Mixed Martial Arts Athletes in Kenya

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has seen a surge in popularity in Kenya, with athletes from various backgrounds participating in the sport. However, with this growth comes an increased risk of performance-enhancing substances (PES) use. The intense physical demands of MMA may drive athletes to seek an edge through these substances, leading to significant concerns about health risks and sports integrity. The aim of this study is to assess the practices and beliefs regarding PES, traditional herbs (TH), and food supplements (FS) among Kenyan MMA athletes. Additionally, the study explores the sources of PES, the factors motivating their use, and the efficacy of current Anti-Doping testing practices. To conduct the study, a cross-sectional survey design was employed, sampling 800 athletes from a target population of 4,000 across six MMA federations. Data were collected using structured questionnaires adapted from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS), with pre-testing to ensure reliability. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and One- and Two-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 22. The results indicate that the majority of MMA participants are male (79.9%), with a median age of 25 years and a mean age of 26.8±4.1 years. Over half of the athletes perceived PES as a problem, but less than one-third viewed traditional herbs as a concern. Food supplements were used by nearly a fifth of the athletes, with bodybuilders showing the highest usage rate (44.4%). Coaches, team doctors, and physiotherapists were primary sources of these substances, while some athletes reported chemists and medical practitioners as suppliers of PES. The study found that the primary reasons for using PES and FS were to boost economic status through prize money, with additional pressures from coaches, family, and colleagues. Anti-doping testing revealed that 20.6% of athletes had been tested out of competition, while 34.4% believed they could provide a sample that wasn't theirs. The study concludes that while many MMA athletes recognize the risks associated with PES, there is a lack of consistent understanding regarding traditional herbs and food supplements. This inconsistency, combined with external pressures, may lead to risky behavior, compromising the athletes' health and the sport's integrity. To address these issues, the study recommends implementing comprehensive education programs for MMA athletes, coaches, and support personnel to raise awareness of PES risks. Strengthening anti-doping regulations and monitoring sources of PES and FS is also crucial. Additionally, promoting ethical coaching practices and addressing external pressures can foster a safer environment and uphold the values of fair competition in Kenyan MMA.

Psychometric Properties of the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS) for Brazilian Sports.

Interest in psychosocial predictors of doping has been increasing as a way of finding new approaches to reduce the use of performance-enhancing drugs. This investigation aimed to test the psychometric properties of an instrument to assess doping attitudes in Brazilian athletes. The PEAS was validated in Brazilian sports through a process of translation, back-translation and content validity assessment, presenting satisfactory evidence based on its content (CVC > 0.80). Then, 994 athletes from different sexes, types of sports and competitive levels answered the Brazilian version of the PEAS. The results showed satisfactory evidence of validity based on its response process, internal structure (X2/df = 2.04; RMSEA = 0.032 (0.026-0.038); CFI = 0.96; TLI = 0.95) and reliability (Cronbach's α, McDonald's ω and CR > 0.70). Network analysis was also used to further explore the PEAS's internal structure. Overall, the results provide support for the adoption of the PEAS for Brazilian athletes and possibly other Portuguese-speaking countries.

Impact of an educational flyer and sensitization on performance-enhancement attitudes of bodybuilders in United Arab Emirates

Background A high proportion of bodybuilders use supplements to improve performance, with some turning to prohibited substances and methods. The attitudes of bodybuilders towards performance enhancement may be gauged through surveys such as the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scales (PEAS). Educational interventions are recommended as part of anti-doping measures. The objective of this project was to assess the impact of a pharmacy-led intervention using an antidoping educational flyer and the performance enhancement attitude scale to measure the attitude of bodybuilders in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods The PEAS eight-item short form questionnaire was administered to male bodybuilders in the UAE. The PEAS was conducted before and after administration of an educational flyer concerning the problems associated with supplement use among bodybuilders. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Kruskal Wallis tests were used for data analysis. Results A total of 218 bodybuilders, who reported taking dietary supplements, filled out the survey both pre and post viewing the antidoping educational flyer. A difference was observed between the full-time professional bodybuilders, students, and part-time bodybuilders with other primary occupations (p-value <0.05). In addition, PEAS score decreased among the study population for all eight PEAS items (p-value <0.05). Conclusions The pharmacy-led intervention using an antidoping educational flyer and sensitization by PEAS achieved more favorable scores, suggesting a significant shift of opinion toward avoiding use of performance enhancing substances among the bodybuilder study population. More research is required on sustaining the attitude and demonstrating the impact on doping behavior.

Development of Reference Point of Doping Attitude and Dispositions for Anti-Doping Education Notification of Athletes: Application of Reference Group Model.

We developed a reference point by applying a doping attitude and propensity tool to prevent doping in sports athletes. Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS) was investigated on 768 registered athletes with the Korea Sports Association. Independent sample t-test and ANOVA were applied to confirm the doping attitude and propensity according to anti-doping education and event type. To establish the criteria for PEAS, the intersection was confirmed through the group comparison method, and EasyOZ by Excel was applied at this time. In addition, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated to confirm the validity of the reference point. First, in the case of anti-doping education, it was confirmed that more than 90% of the anti-doping education was completed in all sports. Second, there was no statistically significant difference in PEAS according to the type of sport, and there was only a difference in the PEAS according to whether or not anti-doping education was provided and whether or not there was anti-doping education. Third, the point of contact established in the group comparison method was 29.5 points, and as a result of validating the validity based on this, 30 points were found to be the most suitable index. This study could be used as important information in that it suggests a different method for evaluating PEAS and establishes a reference point that can be used more effectively in the actual field.

Correlation between Ethical Sensitivity as Well as Doping Attitude and Dispositions in Taekwondo Kyorugi Athletes: Athlete Career and National Team Moderation Effect.

We aimed to examine the effect of ethical sensitivity on doping attitude and dispositions for Taekwondo athletes, as well as whether there was a difference depending on the athlete's career and national team status. Overall, 331 Korean adult Taekwondo athletes were enrolled. Data were collected using sports ethical sensitivity and Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS) tools as the research tools. For data processing, frequency analysis was performed to confirm demographic characteristics, and the fitness index was calculated by applying the Rasch model to confirm the validity and reliability of ethical sensitivity and PEAS. An independent sample t-test was performed to confirm the difference between ethical sensitivity and doping attitude and dispositions according to demographic characteristics. Pairwise parameter comparison values were used using multi-group analysis of path analysis to confirm the effect of ethical sensitivity on PEAS and the moderating effect was calculated. First, according to the demographic characteristics of Taekwondo athletes, there were statistically significant differences in ethical sensitivity and PEAS only by gender. Second, as ethical sensitivity factors, both intentional behavior factors and intentional collusion factors had statistically significant effect on PEAS. Third, in the effect of ethical sensitivity on doping attitude and dispositions, there was no moderating effect of athlete experience and national representative status. Ethical sensitivity has a positive linear correlation with PEAS. In other words, enhancing the ethical sensitivity of sports players will enhance athletes' ethical consciousness and prevent unethical behavior, and furthermore, doping.

Impact of an educational flyer and sensitization on performance-enhancement attitudes of bodybuilders in United Arab Emirates.

A high proportion of bodybuilders use supplements to improve performance, with some turning to prohibited substances and methods. The attitudes of bodybuilders towards performance enhancement may be gauged through surveys such as the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scales (PEAS). Educational interventions are recommended as part of anti-doping measures. The objective of this project was to assess the impact of a pharmacy-led intervention using an antidoping educational flyer and the performance enhancement attitude scale to measure the attitude of bodybuilders in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The PEAS eight-item short form questionnaire was administered to male bodybuilders in the UAE. The PEAS was conducted before and after administration of an educational flyer concerning the problems associated with supplement use among bodybuilders. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Kruskal Wallis tests were used for data analysis. A total of 218 bodybuilders, who reported taking dietary supplements, filled out the survey both pre and post viewing the antidoping educational flyer. A difference was observed between the full-time professional bodybuilders, students, and part-time bodybuilders with other primary occupations (p-value <0.05). In addition, PEAS score decreased among the study population for all eight PEAS items (p-value <0.05). The pharmacy-led intervention using an antidoping educational flyer and sensitization by PEAS achieved more favorable scores, suggesting a significant shift of opinion toward avoiding use of performance enhancing substances among the bodybuilder study population. More research is required on sustaining the attitude and demonstrating the impact on doping behavior.

Effect of athletes' ethical sensitivity on doping mindset and tendency: moderated by sex and age

It is essential to check athletes’ mindset and tendency toward doping to prevent it. This study aimed to determine the effect of athletes’ ethical sensitivity on their mindset and tendency toward doping, and whether age and sex have a moderating effect. To achieve the purpose of this study, 1003 athletes registered in the Korea Sports Association were surveyed with a questionnaire consisting of 34 questions including ethical sensitivity items and a Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS). To verify the reliability and validity of the data, an Item Response Theory (IRT)-based Rasch model was applied. Consequently, we deleted three questions from ethical sensitivity and five questions from PEAS. Our results are as follows: First, ethical sensitivity showed differences according to sex, and mindset and tendency toward doping showed differences according to age. Second, ethical sensitivity was found to have a statistically significant effect on mindset and tendency toward doping. Third, regarding the effect of ethical sensitivity on their mindset and tendency toward doping, the moderating effect of sex and age was not found to have a statistically significant effect. Our findings confirmed that ethical sensitivity has a positive relationship with the mindset and tendency toward doping. In other words, improving the ethical sensitivity of athletes will increase their ethical awareness and help prevent unethical behavior such as doping.

An Investigation Into the Attitudes of Virtual Cycling Participants Regarding Avatar Bodyweight Manipulation and Weight Doping

This study aimed to investigate the viewpoints and attitudes about virtual e-cycling apps with respect to the manipulation of an avatar’s stated body weight. An adaptation of the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale delivered in the form of an online questionnaire was created to assess the act of intentional avatar weight manipulation in e-cycling apps. The level of agreement to 12 items was measured on a 5-point Likert scale, and 638 responses were received. Content analysis was performed on the responses to two open-ended questions. The respondent’s disagreed with nine of the 12 Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale statements suggesting that they saw no value to the practice of intentional avatar weight manipulation. The qualitative analysis revealed that many respondents appeared to accept that e-doping was common practice, and that prevention measures and punishment were ineffective. The results of the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale questionnaire and content analysis by the majority of the respondents support that the act of avatar weight manipulation in virtual cycling esport sees similar results, feedback, and undesirability to other forms of sporting fraud such as the use of performance-enhancing drugs. It is, therefore, proposed that the act of avatar weight manipulation should be treated as an illicit, deceptive, or wholly negative practice.

Motivational climate and attitudes towards doping among Kenyan endurance runners

Doping is a worldwide problem that harms athletes' health and undermines the spirit of sport. Studies have shown that male athletes are more prone to doping than female athletes. Athletes with mastery climate have been associated with anti-doping attitudes, while those with performance climate have pro-doping attitudes. However, it is unclear whether motivational climate is equally important to attitude towards doping for males and females. Data were collected from 323 runners in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya, using cross-sectional survey design. Runners self-reported their motivational climate using Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire and attitudes towards doping using Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale. Correlational analysis indicated significant inverse relationship between mastery climate and doping attitude (rho = -.242; p &lt; .001) and significant positive correlation between performance climate and doping attitude, (rho = .362; p &lt; .001). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed performance and mastery climate were significant predictors of attitudes towards doping (F (3, 319) = 28.24, p = .001), and gender did not moderate the relations between motivational climate and doping attitudes (β = -.028, p = .621). MANOVA results showed male athletes were significantly lower in performance climate scores (p = .045) and non-significantly low in mastery climate scores (p =.075) and doping attitude scores (p = .595) than females. In conclusion, performance climate was associated with doping attitudes in females- but not in males. Therefore, policy frameworks that buttresses the aspects of mastery climate as opposed to performance climate in females is likely to promote anti-doping attitudes.

국내 스포츠선수들의 도핑 사고방식 및 성향 분석

This study is designed to confirm differences on doping mindset and propensity considering demographic characteristic, whether to have doping education, whether to have doping punishment perception of domestic athletes. For this purpose, we selected 955 athletes as subject of study, and investigated doping mindset and propensity of athletes by using Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale as a research tool. As a result, first, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference in doping education depending on age, career, national team experience, and winning experience. Second, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference in punishment perception depending on age, career, national team experience, winning experience, and doping education. Third, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference in PEAS depending on age and doping education. It is judged that this result can be used as useful basic data in carrying out doping prevention of domestic athletes.

The attitudes and beliefs of paralympians and athletes with disabilities on doping in sport

Background: Modern sport is focused on success, generating high-level performance, and crossing physiological barriers. Breaking records and winning is associated with financial benefits but it also raises the social prestige of the athlete. Some competitors try every possible means in order to achieve better results and success in sport, including using doping. This study aims to analyze the opinions and attitudes of elite athletes with disabilities. Methods: Study participants included a group of elite Polish team members competing in international competitions (including Paralympics) in various sports. The research sample consisted of 100 individuals, including 67 men (67%) and 33 women (33%). The descriptive exploratory design used an instrument that combined a validated questionnaire (Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale; PEAS) with a special questionnaire adapted to athletes with disabilities. Results: The overall mean score from the PEAS scale (range, 11–66, with higher scores representing more permissive attitudes towards doping) was 20.61 11.35, with 21.20 10.96 in men, 19.39 12.20 in women, 20.46 10.92 in Paralympians and world championship participants (Masters), and 21.14 13.16 in other competitors. For more than half (58%) of respondents, doping is uncommon in sports, and sports success can be achieved without doping (88%). The vast majority of respondents (90%) do not know people who use doping. Conclusion: The lack of response and hesitation in answers suggest that the respondents did not use doping but also were unaware of doping. Therefore, it seems necessary to implement anti-doping education for athletes with disabilities from the early stages of their sports careers.

Athletes' Goal Orientations and Attitudes towards Doping: Moral Disengagement in Sport as a Mediator.

Objective: In this study, we explored the characteristics of moral disengagement in sport and its mediating role in athletes' goal orientations and their attitudes towards doping We enrolled 203 athletes in the study. Methods: The Task and Ego Orientation in Sports Questionnaire, Moral Disengagement in Sport Scale and Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale were used to assess athletes' goal orientations and attitudes toward doping. Results: Our findings revealed that: (1) male athletes' scores for moral disengagement were significantly higher than those of female athletes; and (2) moral disengagement completely mediated the relationship between ego orientation and attitude towards doping, and partially mediated the association between task orientation and attitude towards doping. Conclusions: Changing the moral cognition and lowering the level of moral disengagement in athletes may be important issues to include in anti-doping education.

Effectiveness of the world anti-doping agency's e-learning programme for anti-doping education on knowledge of, explicit and implicit attitudes towards, and likelihood of doping among Chinese college athletes and non-athletes

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of the World Anti-Doping Agency's e-learning programme for anti-doping education on knowledge of, explicit and implicit attitudes towards, and likelihood of doping among Chinese college athletes and non-athletes.MethodThirty-two young adults (including 16 college athletes) were recruited to receive the Athlete Learning Program about Health and Anti-Doping (ALPHA) intervention (Zh-hans version). Another 32 young adults were recruited for no-treatment control purposes. Before and immediately after the intervention, the ALPHA test, performance enhancement attitude scale, doping likelihood scale, and brief implicit association test (BIAT) were performed. Cortical activity during the BIAT test was monitored using a functional near-infrared spectroscopy instrument.ResultsSignificant intervention effects were observed for knowledge (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.21) and explicit attitude (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.12) but not for doping likelihood (p > 0.05; benefit situation: η2 = 0.04; cost situation: η2 = 0.02). Compared with the non-athletes, the college athletes reported lower doping likelihood scores in benefit situations (e.g., financial gain, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.10). Regarding the BIAT task, the experimental effect was successfully induced by different semantic associations between the concepts and the attitude (doping + like vs. doping + dislike). The mean reaction times (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.36) and error rate (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.34) in the doping-like block were higher than those in the doping-dislike block. Moreover, oxygenated haemoglobin (oxy-Hb) in response to BIAT interference in the temporoparietal junction-related channels was increased during the post-intervention test (p < 0.05, η2 varied from 0.09 to 0.16).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the online anti-doping education programme is partially effective among Chinese college athletes and non-athletes. Furthermore, our findings reflect enhanced cognitive control after the education intervention to suppress a prepotent implicit attitude towards doping.

TURKISH VALIDATION AND RELIABILITY STUDY OF PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT ATTITUDE SCALE

According to the majority of researchers, “attitudes” are the main determinants in using doping substances. The Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS), constituting one of the examples in this context, is a 17-item self-report scale. In the present study, it was aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of PEAS. The scale was conducted among 224 licensed athletes over the age of 18. A construct analysis was applied. Factor analysis was performed to assess the construct validity and to examine construct reliability. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) test was carried out to evaluate test-retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to assess the factor structure of the scale. To assess the validity of the scale, The Attitude Scale Related to the Use of Doping (ASRUD) was used. In the exploratory factor analysis of 17 item one-dimensional scale, it was found that the factor loadings vary between 0.298 and 0.700, excluding items 1 and 7, which had low factor loadings. According to the confirmatory factor analysis, fit and fit indices of the scale were low in first and seventh items and acceptable in other items, as in exploratory factor analysis. RMSEA value was found as 0.086. As a result of the method used to test the validity, there was a negative correlation between PEAS and ASRUD scores (r=-0.302; p&lt;0.001). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.822 and ICC was 0.897. This study suggests that PEAS is a valid and reliable scale to assess performance enhancement attitudes in Turkey.

Doping Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices among Young, Amateur Croatian Athletes.

Recent studies revealed that amateur athletes, especially young ones, have an increasing tendency of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) usage. The aim of this study was to explore PEDs attitudes, beliefs, and practices among young, amateur Croatian athletes. This cross-sectional study using a specially designed questionnaire as a research tool was done during the August 2019 to January 2020 period among a convenient sample of 400 amateur athletes of median age 18 (interquartile range 15 to 21) years. The prevalence of current PEDs usage was 1.3%, while past PEDs usage prevalence was 3.3%. Current PEDs usage was more frequent among young adults (p = 0.048) and athletes playing individual sports (p = 0.001). Athletes who were engaged in sports from one to five years had more permissive attitudes toward PEDs (p < 0.001) as measured by the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale. Female athletes had more positive beliefs about PEDs usage (p = 0.008). The study did not establish any correlation between current or past PEDs usage and attitudes toward PEDs as well as beliefs about PEDs usage. However, there was a weak positive correlation between attitudes toward PEDs and athletes’ beliefs about PEDs usage (rs = 0.465, p < 0.001). PEDs usage is present among young Croatian amateur athletes. There is a need for interventions directed toward the prevention of PEDs usage in an observed subgroup of athletes.

Attitudes, beliefs and knowledge related to doping in different categories of football players

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to study and compare attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about doping of footballers, from elite to under-18 categories. DesignThe descriptive exploratory design used an instrument combining a validated questionnaire (Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale: PEAS) with qualitative open-ended questions. MethodsA total of 1324 Spanish football players (average age 22.56 ± 5.62 years) from 88 football teams that ranged from elite to under-18 categories: Elite (ELI, n = 304), non-elite Professional (PRO, n = 308), top Amateur (AMA, n = 330), elite Under-18 (U18, n = 334) and elite Female (FEM, n = 48) composed the sample. ResultsPEAS overall scores (range 17–102, with higher scores representing more permissive attitudes) was 34.02 ± 11.08. The overall scores for all groups analysed were: FEM: 33.75 ± 14.73; ELI: 30.61 ± 9.91; PRO: 34.23 ± 11.13; AMA: 35.05 ± 10.35; and U18: 35.93 ± 11.50. Significant differences were observed between ELI and PRO (p < 0.001), ELI and AMA (p < 0.001), and ELI and U18 (p < 0.001). 95% of participants did not know the meaning of WADA; 97.4% did not know the Prohibited List; 5% admitted having used banned substances and 23.7% knew dopers. ConclusionsThis study showed different an important lack of knowledge about doping and an high levels of supplement use in this sample of footballers assessed. It which clearly reinforces the idea of implementing a wide educational doping prevention programme in football environment.

프로 및 대학축구선수의 도핑사고방식 및 성향에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study was to examine the difference of doping attitude and dispositions according to the demographic characteristics of professoional and university soccer players. The subjects of the study were the soccer players registered in the Korean Football Association as of 2018, and selected 5 groups of soccer players from K1, K2, K3, National-league and University. Data from 1,072 players were used for final analysis. In the previous research, the researchers used the questionnaire on the demographic characteristics of the subjects and the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale(PEAS) used in the previous research. And a research assistant visited the institute and asked permission of the director and the leader. Data processing was performed using SPSS 22.0 for T-test and one-way ANOVA. The results were as follows. First, in the age - based difference test, the group over 36 years old was higher than the group below 25 ~ 35 years old. Second, there was no statistically significant difference in the positional difference test. Third, in the difference test according to the athletic career, the group of l ess than 10 years was higher than the group of 20 years or less. Fourth, K1, K3, National team

Evaluation of the Validity of Korean version of Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale

Evaluation of the Validity of Korean version of Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale

Self-Reported Use and Attitudes Toward Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Ultramarathon Running

The use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) has been reported in several sports. There have been no peer-reviewed articles on the use of PEDs in ultramarathon running. This study was to examine the use of PEDs in ultramarathon running and to identify attitudes and beliefs about the usage of PEDs in the sport. An online survey was developed. The survey was distributed to potential participants through Ultrasignup and the Western States Endurance Run Facebook sites. The survey included 9 demographic questions, 11 PED questions, and a previously validated 17-item performance enhancement attitude scale (PEAS). Six hundred nine self-identified ultramarathon runners completed the survey; 8.4% of respondents reported using PEDs during competition or training. Cannabinoids, narcotics, and stimulants were the PEDs that were most frequently reported. There was no difference between sex, age, country of origin, rank, miles/week of training, or longest race between those that reported using PEDs and those that did not report using PEDs. There was, however, a significant difference in athletes who reported they knew another ultramarathon runner who had used PEDs to have significantly higher years of participation and ranked in the top 20th percentile. There additionally was an increased PEAS score of individuals who reported using a PED or individuals that knew an individual who used PEDs. PEDs are being used in ultramarathon running. The exact extent of the use of PEDs in ultramarathon running is still unknown and challenging to fully investigate without formal, random testing, which is expensive and technically challenging.