DELTS research report (PDF)
The research explored the adaption and implementation of an online e-learning module (work package 3) and app (work package 4) which were designed to support professional learning in those professionals working to prevent performance and image enhancing drug (PIED) use and harms among recreational athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Dr. Amanda Atkinson presenting the results "Evaluating the acceptability and usability of e-learning resources for healthcare and fitness industry professionals on PIED use" at the DELTS Conference in December 2019:
The infographics below highlight the main conclusions of the research.
Text versions of the infographics can be found below the pictures.
Health professionals, performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs), and e-learning in AUS, FI, NL and UK
Participants filled out a survey (N=77) and were interviewed (N=38) to answer questions about the utility and acceptance of a PIED e-module (the Dopinglinkki e-module) targeted at health professionals.
- 68 % (N=52) agreed (quite a bit/very much) that the module would help them engage with a person who uses PIEDs.
- 72 % (N=55) felt that the module would help them identify some of the myths regarding fitness doping
- An urgent need to develop (online) educational materials to improve their knowledge around PIEDs and their (potential) users.
- Potential to reduce stigma amongst health professionals and to build rapport with those who use PIEDs.
- The e-module is currently too time-intensive and not appropriate for all types of health professionals. Different learning pathways are therefore needed.
- The e-module missed specific harm reduction and clinical advice that could be implemented in practise.
This infographic forms part of the ERASMUS+ Sport funded DELTS project (https://deltsproject.eu), incl. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Dopinglinkki, Folkhälsan, Lithuanian Anti-Doping Agency, Liverpool John Moores University, Mainline, the University of New South Wales and the Human Enhancement Drugs Network.
Fitness professionals, performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs), and e-learning in FI, GR and LT
Participants filled out a survey (N=52) and were interviewed (N=24) to answer questions about the utility and acceptance PIED e-module (the Dopinglinkki fitness e-module) targeted at fitness professionals.
- 85 % (N=29) agreed (quite a bit/very much) felt that the module would help them to understand motivation of PIED use.
- 84 % (N=37) felt that the module would help them identify some of the myths regarding fitness doping
- Participants reported that the e-module has the potential to inform fitness trainers and to prevent someone’s willingness to use.
- The module requires adaption in terms of needing to be less time intensive and to be instantly accessible (e.g. mobile app).
- Raising awareness of PIED use as a public health issue is needed to encourage uptake of the e-module.
- Management support and endorsement is required to boost levels of completion.
This infographic forms part of the ERASMUS+ Sport funded DELTS project (https://deltsproject.eu), incl. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Dopinglinkki, Folkhälsan, Lithuanian Anti-Doping Agency, Liverpool John Moores University, Mainline, the University of New South Wales and the Human Enhancement Drugs Network.
Fitness professionals, performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs), and SafeYou App in GR
Participants filled out a survey (N=20) and were interviewed (N=10) to answer questions about the utility and acceptance of a mobile app containing information about PIEDs (the SafeYou App) targeted at fitness professionals.
- 89 % (N=17) agreed (quite a bit/very much) felt that the module would help them to understand the health risks associated with PIED use.
- 79 % (N=15) agreed (quite a bit/very much) that the module would help them encourage athletes and fitness participants to take responsibility for their decisions concerning PIED use
- Participants reported that the e-module has the potential to inform fitness trainers and to prevent someone’s willingness to use.
- Raising awareness of PIED use as a public health issue is needed to encourage uptake of the e-module.
- Management support and endorsement is required to boost levels of completion.
This infographic forms part of the ERASMUS+ Sport funded DELTS project (https://deltsproject.eu), incl. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Dopinglinkki, Folkhälsan, Lithuanian Anti-Doping Agency, Liverpool John Moores University, Mainline, the University of New South Wales and the Human Enhancement Drugs Network.