Evaluation of fitness instructors’ beliefs about using anti-doping education tools for recreational sports

Barkoukis, Vassilis, Kaffe, Stela, Atkinson, Amanda ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9936-6138, Sumnall, Harry, Koskelo, Jukka, Jussila, Hanna-Kaisa, Jagminiene, Kristina and Banyte, Ruta (2020) Evaluation of fitness instructors’ beliefs about using anti-doping education tools for recreational sports. [Data Collection]

Abstract

Use of performance and image enhancement drugs (PIEDs) in recreational sport is a common practice and there is a need to develop preventive interventions. The aim of the study was to investigate the acceptability and usability of an online e-learning course and an information app that were designed to support PIED prevention training activities in professionals working with recreational athletes. Fifty-one professionals from three countries (Finland, Greece, and Lithuania) participated in the evaluation of the e-learning course, and 19 professionals from Greece were recruited to evaluate the information app. Participants completed surveys and/or participated in semi-structured interviews measuring acceptability, usability and implementation of both educational tools. Τhe results of the analyses showed that both the e-learning course and the app increased participants’ knowledge on PIEDs risks and adverse effects, understanding of the motives for PIED use, competence and confidence when interacting with clients who may use PIEDs and assisting them to quit PIED use without moralizing. The e-learning course was also perceived as compatible with existing practices, and individual and organisational values of prevention and harm reduction. Lack of time was perceived as the main barrier to using both tools. Nevertheless, participants reported that using the tools would improve their competencies in aiming to prevent PIED use. The present study provides valuable information on the acceptability and usability of two educational approaches against doping and highlights the need to further investigate the effectiveness of PIED interventions.

Creators:	Barkoukis, Vassilis, Kaffe, Stela, Atkinson, Amanda, Sumnall, Harry, Koskelo, Jukka, Jussila, Hanna-Kaisa, Jagminiene, Kristina and Banyte, Ruta
ORCID:	UNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIEDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-9936-6138UNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	performance enhancement; doping; recreational sport; fitness; e-learning; mobile app; fitness professionals
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.24377/LJMU.d.00000086
Division:	Public Health Institute
Date Deposited:	01 Dec 2020 21:49
Last Modified:	22 Aug 2024 10:05
Related resources:	Published paper
URI:	https://opendata.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/86
Data collection method:	Online questionnaire surveys of convenience samples recruited through professional networks in Greece, Finland, Lithuania
Resource language:	English
Metadata language:	English
Collection period:	From To 1 March 2019 30 June 2019