René Paasch, Gunnar Mau
Psychosocial factors were associated with variation in PES-use intentions among recreational gym users. Prevention development may consider social norms, perceived control over avoiding PES, resistance self-efficacy, knowledge, and preferences for credible, context-sensitive information. Given the cross-sectional design, the findings should be interpreted as associations and as hypothesis-generating evidence for future prevention research.
BACKGROUND: Performance-enhancing substance (PES) use is a potential public health concern in recreational fitness. Research suggests that use among recreational gym users is associated with psychosocial factors, gym culture, and peer norms.
OBJECTIVE: This study examined associations of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs, selected Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs, knowledge, and risk acceptance with PES-use intentions and explored prevention needs using a mixed-methods design.
METHODS: A cross-sectional mixed-methods survey included 772 recreational gym users in Germany; 29.4% reported ever or current use of at least one of six assessed PES categories. Quantitative analyses examined TPB constructs, HBM-related constructs, knowledge, and risk acceptance. Qualitative data comprised 542 open-ended responses on prevention preferences.
RESULTS: Subjective norms and lower perceived behavioral control over avoiding PES showed the strongest associations with higher PES-use intention. Greater knowledge was associated with lower intention, whereas higher risk acceptance, greater perceived benefits of PES use, and lower self-efficacy to resist PES were associated with higher intention. None of the examined psychosocial variables were significantly associated with the ever/current PES-use indicator. Qualitative findings emphasized credible information, peer-based support, and preferences for gym-based prevention approaches.
CONCLUSION: Psychosocial factors were associated with variation in PES-use intentions among recreational gym users. Prevention development may consider social norms, perceived control over avoiding PES, resistance self-efficacy, knowledge, and preferences for credible, context-sensitive information. Given the cross-sectional design, the findings should be interpreted as associations and as hypothesis-generating evidence for future prevention research.