Citation

Zenic N, Peric M, Zubcevic NG, Ostojic Z, Ostojic L. Med. Probl. Perform. Art. 2010; 25(2): 75-81.

Affiliation

Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia. natasazenic@yahoo.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Science and Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

20795336

Abstract

There have been few studies comparing substance use and misuse (SU&M) in different performing arts forms. Herein, we identified and compared SU&M in women studying an art (ballet, n = 21), a non-Olympic sport (dance sport, n = 25), and an Olympic sport (synchronized swimming, n = 23). The sample of variables comprised general, educational, and sport factors, as well as SU&M data, including consumption of opiates, cigarettes, alcohol, nutritional supplements, doping behaviors, and beliefs. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, we found no significant differences between study groups in potential doping behaviors. Most of the examinees reported that they did not rely on physicians' and/or coaches' opinions regarding doping. Only sport dancers recognized their consumption of cannabis as a violation of anti-doping rules. Those more convinced that doping habits are present in their sport (or art) have a certain tendency toward doping usage. In conclusion, a strong anti-doping campaign within the studied arts is suggested, focusing on the health-related problems of SU&M.

Language: en