Image and performance enhancing drugs among gym and fitness visitors in Slovenia – preliminary results

Background
The use of image and performance enhancing drugs (IPED, substances prohibited in sport, doping) in recreational sports is an emerging issue that has received limited attention so far. However, it could represent a significant threat to public health. Doping in recreational sport can be used intentionally or unintentionally, as some nutritional supplements and other products taken by recreational athletes could contain banned substances, such as contaminants or performance-enhancing additives. The prevalence analysis was the first step towards understanding the extent of this problem. Since recreational sport is a very broad concept, we restricted our study population to visitors of fitness centres and gyms. We are addressing this issue through a study co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
 
Methods
A survey was created to investigate the use of nutritional supplements, energy drinks, medicines and, above all, substances prohibited in sports. It also collected socio-demographic data of the respondents. The survey was conducted in fitness centres and gyms across the country by students of the Faculty of Sports. Due to the sensitivity of some questions and the need for anonymity, the physical surveys were collected in a secure box. The survey was also available online. A total of 791 questionnaires were collected, of which 780 were fully filled out and eligible for analysis.
 
Results
Preliminary results show the trends of occasional and regular use among fitness centre visitors as follows: 67,0% (n=523) use nutritional supplements, 50,3% (n=392) energy drinks, 8,2% (n=64) OTC medicines to enhance performance, 3,2% (n=25) prescription medicines for weight loss and 4,0% (n=31) prescription medicines for performance enhancement. 25% (n=197) have taken IPED in their lifetime, 15,3% (n=119) have taken it in the last year. Main reason is image enhancement, followed by performance enhancement.  62,7% of respondents, that do not use IPED, believe that usage is partially or fully acceptable, half of them know at least some users. Preliminary results will be further statistically processed in detail.
 
Conclusion and further steps
The use of IPED among fitness visitors is an emerging issue and could represent a significant threat to public health. A thorough analysis of the collected data is required. To fully understand this issue, we will also carry out an analysis of relevant products used. Samples collected from the market will be analysed for the possible presence of IPED and compliance with the declaration. The products brought by doping users will be tested for content adequacy and possible non-compliance.
Based on the results, appropriate action will be taken forward, from prevention to awareness campaigns and harm reduction measures to policy recommendation.