Chrétien A, D’arripe-Longueville F, Haffner K, Hayotte M, Bernier M, Vuillemin A. Using a socioecological approach to explore healthy lifestyle in elite sport: a qualitative study of French athletes', coaches', and managers' perspectives.
Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023;
18:2251235. [PMID:
37674351 PMCID:
PMC10599688 DOI:
10.1080/17482631.2023.2251235]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Elite athletes are continually subjected to a range of constraints specific to high performance, and these can have a negative impact on their health. Although many studies have explored the individual factors related to risky behaviours and disorders in elite sport contexts, few have focused on health promotion. Consequently, the interpersonal, institutional, and policy factors of the health-related behaviours of elite athletes are still poorly explored. Based on the socioecological model, this study aimed to identify the factors involved in the health-related lifestyle of elite athletes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 45 participants: athletes (N = 32), their coaches (N = 6) and the managers of elite sport centres (N = 7). Both deductive and inductive thematic analyses were performed. Our results highlight the views of the actors. Regarding intrapersonal factors, resilience qualities and health literacy appeared as key factors in influencing the health-related lifestyle of elite athletes. At the interpersonal level, parents and coaches emerged as the main sources of educational support. Regarding institutional factors, the health policies of the elite sport centres were key factors in supporting the athletes' healthy lifestyle. These results encourage the development of health promotion programs at different levels of intervention.
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