Factors associated with potential doping behavior in Olympic-sailing: A gender-specific analysis

BACKGROUND: Olympic-sailing is not contaminated with doping, and special efforts are needed to keep this sport free of doping. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with potential doping behavior (PDB) in professional Olympic sailors. METHODS: The sample of participants were professional Olympic Laser class athletes (N.=80, 39 females; all >18 years). Data were collected through previously validated questionnaires, utilizing sociodemographic-variables, sport-related-factors, and various factors of hesitation against doping (predictors), and PDB (criterion). To calculate the associations between predictors and the criterion, gender-stratified logistic regression models were calculated. RESULTS: Negative social consequences of doping were identified as the important factors of hesitation against PDB in men, while health-related problems were identified as being highly important factors of hesitation in women. Sailing conditions present particular health challenges specific to women; therefore, women tend to be much more responsive to health concerns in general. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provided evidence about necessity of gender-specific approach in antidoping preventive campaigns. Further studies in other sports and with younger athletes are warranted