Adolescent-oriented Interventions to Reduce use of Performance-Enhancing Drugs
Keywords:
Adolescents, Performance-Enhancing Drugs, Interventions, Systematic Review, Risk RatiosAbstract
Introduction:
The increasing use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) among adolescents poses significant public health concerns, with implications for physical and psychological well-being. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adolescent-oriented interventions in reducing PED use, addressing the gap in knowledge regarding which interventions are most impactful.
Methods:
A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library, was conducted to identify interventional studies and clinical trials from the last years up to 2022. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria focusing on interventions targeting PED use among adolescents. Risk ratios (RRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted or calculated to assess the effectiveness of interventions.
Results:
Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing educational programs, peer-led initiatives, online platforms, and combined approaches. The interventions demonstrated varying levels of effectiveness in reducing PED use among adolescents. Notable findings include a reduction in PED use intentions with RRs ranging from 0.72 to 0.80 for online and educational interventions. Cognitive-behavioral strategies showed a 25% reduction in self-reported PED use, while peer-led and sport-based interventions reported modest reductions with RRs of 0.88 to 0.94. However, combined interventions did not yield statistically significant differences compared to controls.
Conclusions:
The review highlights the potential of targeted interventions, particularly online platforms and cognitive-behavioral approaches, in reducing PED use among adolescents. The effectiveness of interventions varies, underscoring the need for tailored strategies that consider the unique contexts and motivations of the adolescent population. Future research should aim to refine intervention designs and explore innovative approaches to enhance their impact.
