Substance Use in Dance Sport

Abstract

Very few studies have been conducted on substance use (SU) in performing sports. In the current study, we analyzed SU and factors related to SU in dance sport. The sample subjects consisted of 21 female and 22 male dancers, all >19 years of age, who were given an anonymous questionnaire developed for this study. The questionnaire consisted of questions about 1) social, cultural, educational, and sport-related factors, and 2) SU, including alcohol, opiates, cigarettes, and doping consumption, and personal opinions. The chi-square test was used to define the differences between male and female dancers. To identify the relationships between the studied factors and SU, the Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated separately in males and females. We found a relatively low incidence of cigarette smoking (<10%) and significant differences between males and females in opinions regarding doping issues. The level of the sport achievement in females and religiousness in male dancers was significantly related to SU. Although not frequent, the consumption of alcohol was more common in more successful and experienced dancers. The use of pain killers was related to age in female dancers (all at p < 0.05). Based on these results, we recommend educational programs regarding SU, especially about doping problems, in sport dance.