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Galli F, Chirico A, Codella R, Zandonai T, Deplano V, De Maria A, Palombi T, Gotti D, Alivernini F, Mallia L, Zelli A, Lucidi F. "I Am on Top!": An Interactive Intervention Program to Promote Self-Regulation Processes in the Prevention of the Use of Doping in Sports High Schools. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:2630-2641. [PMID: 37998073 PMCID: PMC10670151 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13110183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of substances to improve sports performance is a widespread phenomenon among adolescents. Several anti-doping programs have been developed, mainly based on knowledge-based evidence. The main aim of the present study was to implement an anti-doping intervention in sports high school students, based on a psychological framework, such as Socio-Cognitive Theory, through the development of a Serious Game (SG), i.e., digital learning based on the game. The experimental design included an intervention group (n = 167; F = 37.7%; Meanage = 17.5 years; SD = 0.58) and a control group (n = 112; F = 42%; Meanage = 17.6; SD = 1). Both of the groups completed the same questionnaire on two different occasions (i.e., time 1 and time 2) for measuring doping intention, self-regulatory efficacy to resist social pressure for the use of substances, moral disengagement, and doping knowledge. Data were analyzed through repeated measures of Group X Time ANOVA, demonstrating some degree of efficacy of the intervention, in particular in terms of the decrease in doping intention and the strengthening of doping knowledge. Moreover, the study demonstrated that the score obtained during the implementation of the SG could partially represent a coherent measure of the participants' beliefs regarding doping. These results could be considered a starting point for future research to better develop technological anti-doping interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Galli
- Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy; (A.D.M.); (L.M.); (A.Z.)
| | - Andrea Chirico
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (T.Z.); (V.D.); (T.P.); (F.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Roberto Codella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.C.); (D.G.)
| | - Thomas Zandonai
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (T.Z.); (V.D.); (T.P.); (F.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Vindice Deplano
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (T.Z.); (V.D.); (T.P.); (F.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Alessandra De Maria
- Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy; (A.D.M.); (L.M.); (A.Z.)
| | - Tommaso Palombi
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (T.Z.); (V.D.); (T.P.); (F.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Daniel Gotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.C.); (D.G.)
| | - Fabio Alivernini
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (T.Z.); (V.D.); (T.P.); (F.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Luca Mallia
- Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy; (A.D.M.); (L.M.); (A.Z.)
| | - Arnaldo Zelli
- Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy; (A.D.M.); (L.M.); (A.Z.)
| | - Fabio Lucidi
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (T.Z.); (V.D.); (T.P.); (F.A.); (F.L.)
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Deng Z, Guo J, Wang D, Huang T, Chen Z. 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. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:31. [PMID: 35473803 PMCID: PMC9044811 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00459-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This 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. Method Thirty-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. Results Significant 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). Conclusions The 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. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13011-022-00459-1.
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Ganson KT, Jackson DB, Testa A, Murnane PM, Nagata JM. Performance-Enhancing Substance Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors among U.S. Men: Results from a Prospective Cohort Study. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:758-764. [PMID: 34860634 PMCID: PMC9163206 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.2012114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Performance-enhancing substance (PES) use is common among young men and prior research has documented cross-sectional associations between anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use and sexual risk behaviors. However, this relationship remains understudied among a longitudinal cohort of young adult men, and research on prospective associations between legal PES (e.g., creatine) use and sexual risk behaviors is lacking. The current study addressed these oversights using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 5,451). AAS use and legal PES use were assessed at Wave III (ages 18-26) and 10 indicators of sexual risk behavior were assessed at seven-year follow up (Wave IV; ages 24-32). Linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted adjusting for demographic and behavioral confounders. Participants who reported AAS use and legal PES use had significantly higher number of one-time sexual partners and higher odds of multiple sex partners around the same time in the past 12 months. Participants who reported AAS use had higher odds of any STI in the past 12 months. These results extend prior research on the risk behaviors and adverse effects of PES use. Health care professionals should assess for PES use among young adult men and provide guidance on healthful sexual behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle T. Ganson
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dylan B. Jackson
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Testa
- Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Pamela M. Murnane
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Jason M. Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Brusseau TA, Burns RD. Associations of Physical Activity, School Safety, and Non-Prescription Steroid Use in Adolescents: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:87. [PMID: 35010346 PMCID: PMC8751058 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Non-prescription steroid use can negatively impact adolescent physical and mental health and wellbeing. Determining correlates of this risk behavior is needed to help mitigate its prevalence. Two potential correlates are physical activity and school safety. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of physical activity, school safety, and non-prescription steroid use within a sample of adolescents from the 2015-2019 US National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). A multi-stage cluster sampling procedure yielded a representative sample of US adolescents from the 2015-2019 YRBS (n = 44,066; 49.6% female). Two latent variables indicating physical activity and unsafe schools were the independent variables. The dependent variable was a self-report of non-prescription steroid use. A weighted structural equation model examined the associations between physical activity and unsafe schools with non-prescription steroid use, controlling for age, sex, BMI %tile, race/ethnicity, and sexual minority status. The latent physical activity variable did not associate with non-prescription steroid use (β = 0.007, 95%CI: -0.01-0.02, p = 0.436); however, the unsafe schools latent variable did associate with non-prescription steroid use (β = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.59-0.69, p < 0.001). An unsafe school environment may be a determinant of non-prescription steroid use in adolescents. Physical activity behaviors did not associate with steroid use.
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Svantorp-Tveiten KME, Friborg O, Torstveit MK, Mathisen TF, Sundgot-Borgen C, Rosenvinge JH, Bratland-Sanda S, Pettersen G, Sundgot-Borgen J. Protein, Creatine, and Dieting Supplements Among Adolescents: Use and Associations With Eating Disorder Risk Factors, Exercise-, and Sports Participation, and Immigrant Status. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:727372. [PMID: 34723179 PMCID: PMC8548763 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.727372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to estimate the number of weekly users of protein, creatine, and dieting supplements and to explore whether weekly use was related to eating disorder (ED) risk factors, exercise, sports participation, and immigrant status. Methods: In total, 629 and 1,060 high school boys and girls, respectively, self-reported weekly frequency of protein, creatine, and dieting supplement use, and weight and shape concerns, appearance internalization and pressure, self-esteem, mental distress, physical activity level, exercise context, and the type and weekly frequency of sport played. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were performed to investigate explanatory factors for supplement use. Results: More boys than girls used protein and creatine supplements. Immigrant boys had more frequent use of all supplements than non-immigrant boys, and immigrant girls used creatine supplements more frequently than non-immigrant girls. In total, 23–40 and 5–6% of the variation in the weekly frequency of supplement use in boys and girls, respectively, was explained by immigrant status, ED risk factors, and exercise and sports participation. More frequent use of protein, creatine and dieting supplements in boys was significantly explained by more weight and shape concerns, fitness center exercise, and weight-sensitive sports participation. Depending on the type of supplement, more frequent use of supplements in girls was significantly explained by lower self-esteem, more engagement in weight-sensitive sports, and less engagement in general sport and exercise activities. Conclusion: Weekly supplement use was common and more frequent among boys than girls. The weekly use of protein, creatine, and dieting supplements was related to ED risk factors, exercise and sports participation, and immigrant status in boys but not in girls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oddgeir Friborg
- Department of Psychology, UiT -The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | - Solfrid Bratland-Sanda
- Department of Sports, Physical Education and Outdoor Studies, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Gunn Pettersen
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Bhasin S, Hatfield DL, Hoffman JR, Kraemer WJ, Labotz M, Phillips SM, Ratamess NA. Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use in Sports, Health, and Society. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 53:1778-1794. [PMID: 34261998 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This consensus statement is an update of the 1987 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) position stand on the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Substantial data have been collected since the previous position stand, and AAS use patterns have changed significantly. The ACSM acknowledges that lawful and ethical therapeutic use of AAS is now an accepted mainstream treatment for several clinical disorders; however, there is increased recognition that AAS are commonly used illicitly to enhance performance and appearance in several segments of the population, including competitive athletes. The illicit use of AAS by competitive athletes is contrary to the rules and ethics of many sport governing bodies. Thus, the ACSM deplores the illicit use of AAS for athletic and recreational purposes. This consensus statement provides a brief history of AAS use, an update on the science of how we now understand AAS to be working metabolically/biochemically, potential side effects, the prevalence of use among athletes, and the use of AAS in clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalender Bhasin
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Disa L Hatfield
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
| | - Jay R Hoffman
- Department of Physical Therapy, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - William J Kraemer
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | | | | | - Nicholas A Ratamess
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
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Galli F, Palombi T, Mallia L, Chirico A, Zandonai T, Alivernini F, De Maria A, Zelli A, Lucidi F. Promoting Media Literacy Online: An Intervention on Performance and Appearance Enhancement Substances with Sport High School Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115596. [PMID: 34073845 PMCID: PMC8197259 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus required adjustment regarding the delivery of interventions. Media literacy interventions are necessary to help people acquire relevant skills to navigate the complexities of media communications, and to encourage health-promoting behaviors. The present study aimed to promote a media literacy intervention regarding performance and appearance enhancement substances use in sports high school students. The COVID-19 contingency allowed us to evaluate whether online sessions can effectively promote greater awareness of media influence, a stronger sense of confidence in persuading others to deal with media messages, and healthier attitudes about PAES use among high school students. The study relied on an "intervention group" comprising 162 students (31.5% female) and a "control group" comprising 158 students (42% female). Data were analyzed through repeated measures of Group X Time MANOVA and ANOVA, demonstrating some degree of efficacy of the media literacy intervention. The "intervention group" reported higher awareness of potential newspapers' influence and a significant increase in their sense of confidence in dealing with media influence compared to the "control group". Findings support the efficacy of online media literacy programs to prevent doping consumption in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Galli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (A.D.M.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (A.C.); (F.A.); (F.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tommaso Palombi
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (A.C.); (F.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Luca Mallia
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (A.D.M.); (A.Z.)
| | - Andrea Chirico
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (A.C.); (F.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Thomas Zandonai
- Sports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University, Av. de la Universidad s/n, Elche, 03202 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Fabio Alivernini
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (A.C.); (F.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Alessandra De Maria
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (A.D.M.); (A.Z.)
| | - Arnaldo Zelli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (A.D.M.); (A.Z.)
| | - Fabio Lucidi
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (A.C.); (F.A.); (F.L.)
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Pope HG, Kanayama G, Hudson JI, Kaufman MJ. Review Article: Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids, Violence, and Crime: Two Cases and Literature Review. Am J Addict 2021; 30:423-432. [PMID: 33870584 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use has become a major worldwide substance use disorder, affecting tens of millions of individuals. Importantly, it is now increasingly recognized that some individuals develop uncharacteristically violent or criminal behaviors when using AAS. We sought to summarize available information on this topic. METHODS We reviewed the published literature on AAS-induced behavioral effects and augmented this information with extensive observations from our clinical and forensic experience. RESULTS It is now generally accepted that some AAS users develop uncharacteristically violent or criminal behaviors while taking these drugs. Although these behaviors may partially reflect premorbid psychopathology, sociocultural factors, or expectational effects, accumulating evidence suggests that they are also attributable to biological effects of AAS themselves. The mechanism of these effects remains speculative, but preliminary data suggest a possible role for brain regions involved in emotional reactivity, such as the amygdala and regions involved in cognitive control, including the frontal cortex. For unknown reasons, these effects appear idiosyncratic; most AAS users display few behavioral effects, but a minority develops severe effects. CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Professionals encountering AAS users in clinical or forensic settings should be alert to the possibility of AAS-induced violence or criminality and should employ strategies to assess whether AAS is indeed a contributory factor in a given case. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of AAS-induced violence and to explain why only a subset of AAS users appears vulnerable to these effects. (Am J Addict 2021;00:00-00).
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison G Pope
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gen Kanayama
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James I Hudson
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marc J Kaufman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
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Flesia L, Cavalieri F, Angelini S, Bottesi G, Ghisi M, Tonon E, Roldan AP, Di Nisio A, Garolla A, Ferlin A, Foresta C. Health-Related Lifestyles, Substance-Related Behaviors, and Sexual Habits Among Italian Young Adult Males: An Epidemiologic Study. Sex Med 2020; 8:361-369. [PMID: 32389594 PMCID: PMC7471067 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young adult males are more likely to demonstrate health-risk behaviors than other individuals. The use of specific data about health-risk behaviors within this population might be important to promote effective preventive psychosocial and educational programs and interventions. AIM To provide a detailed description of health-related lifestyles, substance-related behaviors, and sexual habits that can negatively affect fertility, sexual sphere, and health in a large sample of Italian young adult males. METHODS A sample comprising 2,170 males aged 18-21 years, attending the last year of high school, was administered an online questionnaire made up of 39 multiple-choice questions. The questionnaire explored health-related lifestyles, substance-related behaviors, and sexuality and sexual habits. Descriptive analyses were conducted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The outcome measures included data about health-related lifestyles, substance-related behaviors, and sexuality and sexual habits reported by Italian young adult males. RESULTS Health-related lifestyles: 92.9% of the sample reported practicing some physical activity during the week. 90.3% declared a Mediterranean diet and 8.1% a hyperproteic diet. Substance-related behaviors: 33.8% of the sample reported having smoked tobacco at least once in their lives; among them, 71% reported current daily smoking. 40.2% declared drinking alcohol from 5 to 7 days in a week. 32.9% of the sample reported currently using a substance. Sexuality and sexual habits: 97.1% of the sample self-defined themselves as heterosexual. 73.3% of participants rated their knowledge about sexuality as "excellent/good," 58.7% about sexually transmitted infections. Only 4.8% reported having had a seminal liquid examination. Half of the sample (52.2%) declared having had sexual intercourses, in the largest proportion protected sex. 14.7% of the sample reported having at least one sexual dysfunction. 88.6% of participants reported having used pornography, 18.7% every day. CONCLUSION The present study highlighted the need to empower the number and efficacy of preventive interventions to promote health-related behaviors among Italian young male population. Flesia L, Cavalieri F, Angelini S, et al. Health-Related Lifestyles, Substance-Related Behaviors, and Sexual Habits Among Italian Young Adult Males: An Epidemiologic Study. Sex Med 2020;8:361-369.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Flesia
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Angelini
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gioia Bottesi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Ghisi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Tonon
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Agustina Perez Roldan
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Mallia L, Chirico A, Zelli A, Galli F, Palombi T, Bortoli L, Conti C, Diotaiuti P, Robazza C, Schena F, Vitali F, Zandonai T, Lucidi F. The Implementation and Evaluation of a Media Literacy Intervention About PAES Use in Sport Science Students. Front Psychol 2020; 11:368. [PMID: 32265771 PMCID: PMC7105711 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With respect to both competitive and amateur/fitness sports, media may strongly influence young people's opinions and behaviors concerning the use of PAES (Performance and Appearance Enhancing Substances). The present investigation addressed this topic by focusing on sport sciences students' beliefs concerning the possible role of media related to the implementation and evaluation of a PAES-focus media literacy intervention conducted with sport science students. This study relied on a sample of 521 students (attrition rate 10.3%) (45.1% female, mean age = 22.6, SD = 2.20), which provided baseline data on students' levels of media literacy concerning the use of PAES (i.e. "descriptive sample"), and a sample of 248 students, who participated in and provided data on the media literacy intervention. This latter sample included a group of 128 students (44.5% female, mean age = 23.03, SD = 3.76) who actively participated in the intervention (i.e. "intervention group"), and a group of 120 students who did not (i.e. "control group", 53.3% female, mean age = 22.25, SD = 2.47). All students filled out media literacy questionnaires targeting students' awareness of media influence, their views about the realism of media content, their sense of confidence in dealing with media messages, and their positive attitudes toward PAES use. Analyses of questionnaire data showed that students are relatively aware of media influence on people's views and behaviors with respect to PAES use. At the same time, students also believed that young people do not consider media as "realistic sources" of information; nonetheless, they also did not consider themselves entirely capable of dealing effectively with media messages. With respect to the intervention, students overall appreciated and greatly welcomed the educational program on media literacy, and the analyses of intervention data across intervention and control groups showed that key media literacy variables changed over time, attesting to the overall effectiveness of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mallia
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Foro Italico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Chirico
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Zelli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Foro Italico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Galli
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Palombi
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Bortoli
- BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cristiana Conti
- BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Diotaiuti
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Physical Activity and Lifestyles, Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | - Claudio Robazza
- BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Federico Schena
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Vitali
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Thomas Zandonai
- Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Fabio Lucidi
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Reas DL, Wisting L, Stedal K, Dahlgren CL. Unhealthy eating and weight dissatisfaction in adolescents who never, occasionally, or regularly use smokeless tobacco (Swedish snus). Int J Eat Disord 2019; 52:846-854. [PMID: 31032987 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although cigarette smoking has been linked to weight-related concerns and unhealthy weight control practices, little is known about weight dissatisfaction and eating among adolescents who use smokeless tobacco (SLT) products. The use of Swedish moist snuff (snus) has increased dramatically over recent years, surpassing cigarette smoking among young people in several countries. This study investigated differences in unhealthy eating behaviors and weight dissatisfaction in male and female adolescents who never, occasionally, or regularly use snus. METHOD Adolescents aged 16-19 years enrolled in high school (11th, 12th, and 13th grades) completed a cross-sectional, online survey of adolescent health and well-being. Meal skipping and snus use frequency were assessed in the total sample (N = 23,622), and items assessing weight dissatisfaction (n = 4,195) and eating-related pathology (n = 3,563) were administered to subsamples. Analyses were adjusted for cigarette smoking, parental education, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS Adolescents who used snus, especially on a daily basis, reported less regular breakfast, lunch, and dinner consumption. Females who used snus on an occasional basis reported significantly more disturbed eating pathology. Snus use was associated with weight dissatisfaction in males and females, manifesting differentially according to gender and snus use frequency. DISCUSSION Unhealthy eating behaviors and weight dissatisfaction were significantly elevated among snus users aged 16-19 years. An increased awareness that occasional snus use may signal disturbed eating pathology among adolescent females is important for detection and prevention efforts. Parents, schools, and health professionals should be vigilant for possible snus use among weight-dissatisfied adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Reas
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Line Wisting
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Stedal
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Camilla Lindvall Dahlgren
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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12
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Thevis M, Kuuranne T, Geyer H. Annual banned-substance review: Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:8-26. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Cologne Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents; Cologne Germany
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses; University Center of Legal Medicine, Genève and Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne; Epalinges Switzerland
| | - Hans Geyer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Cologne Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents; Cologne Germany
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13
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Chegeni R, Sagoe D, Mentzoni RA, Pallesen S. Aggression and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use Intent in Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 54:1509-1518. [PMID: 30931688 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1589522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: There is a dearth of longitudinal studies on risk factors for anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use and intent. Objectives: We conducted a longitudinal investigation of factors associated with AAS use intent from age 18 to 19, examining particularly the role of physical and verbal aggression. A sample of Norwegians completed questionnaires containing demographic, AAS use and intent, other addictions, aggression, and health measures at ages 18 (N = 1333, females = 58.9%) and 19 (N = 1277, females = 61.7%). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Results show that AAS use prevalence increased from 1 person at age 18 to 4 persons at age 19. Intent to use AAS, being male, living alone, and AAS use (all at 18 years) were associated with higher AAS use intent at 19 years. We found no associations between physical or verbal aggression and AAS use intent from ages 18 to 19. Conclusions: Our findings indicate temporal stability in AAS use intent, as well as the influence of demographic and health factors on AAS use intent from ages 18 to 19. Implications of findings for practice and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Chegeni
- a Department of Psychosocial Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Dominic Sagoe
- a Department of Psychosocial Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Rune A Mentzoni
- a Department of Psychosocial Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Ståle Pallesen
- a Department of Psychosocial Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
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