Doping and doping prevention: Knowledge, attitudes and expectations of athletes and coaches

In the fight against doping, not only primary repressive but also primary preventive measures are necessary to establish and fortify attitudes towards doping at an early stage. Because measures should focus on athletes and their sporting environment 1757 competitive athletes (45.5% return) and 620 coaches (40.7% return) were interviewed, in the present study about their doping related knowledge, their attitudes towards doping and their opinion of actual prevention measures. 89.9% of all coaches had already given some thoughts to doping. Conversations with their athletes referring to doping are part of everyday training (52%). Many coaches feel only "rather well" (27.8%) or "rather badly" (33.9%) informed, especially in lower educational coaching levels. 66.4% want more detailed information. In the coaches' opinion, doping-related information of athletes should start at an age of 10 to 15 years (40.2%). 21 of the responding coaches had been tempted to dope during their own sporting career. 25% of the athletes confirmed the coach to be their first contact person for doping-sensitive issues. 88.8% were already informed about doping but rated their respective knowledge as poor. Information material, especially developed for athletes, is little-known. Only 24.6% of the athletes actively try to get information, especially in the world wide web (42.1%). Athletes consider need for action regarding increased enlightenment measures for themselves, but also for coaches and physicians. 1.9% of the responding athletes confessed abuse of doping substances. The results revealed an urgent need for action in the fight against doping. Development of information material does not seem to be enough. Therefore, an active doping-related discussion during courses as well as informative internet platforms would be very welcome for athletes and coaches.