Attitudes and perceptions towards performanceenhancing substance use in Johannesburg boys high school sport

Abstract

Introduction. The environment of youth sport in South Africa has transformed considerably, where adolescent athletes are faced with more pressure from coaches, peers and parents to perform well. Some of the athletes are using nutritional supplements or prohibited means such as doping to cope with these pressures and gain an edge in competition. Objectives. In view of the lack of literature investigating the use of doping in South African adolescents, the objective of the study was to determine the attitudes and perceptions of male adolescent athletes regarding performance-enhancing substance (PES) use. Methods. The design of the study was cross-sectional and used a self-administered questionnaire. A sample of participants was obtained from male adolescent high school athletes involved in 1st and 2nd high school sports teams in Johannesburg boys high schools. Participants were invited to volunteer to participate in the study. Questionnaires were completed under conditions that were similar to an examination situation. Demographic data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results. The majority (91%) of the athletes indicated a belief that the number of athletes using PES in sport is increasing. Eightyfour per cent of them felt that there was pressure placed on them to use PES to win. Only 55% of respondents believed that doping tests would prohibit the use of banned substances and 91% did not believe that the sale of prohibited substances should be banned. The majority (88%) believed there is a need for further education. Conclusion. Although there is enormous pressure on high school boys to use PES, their knowledge is lacking, especially with regard to doping in sport.