A qualitative field study of users of performance and image enhancing drugs
NDARC Staff
Paul Dillon, Jan Copeland, Briony Larance and Cath Finney-Lamb
Other Investigators
Sophie Pointer, Robert Ali and Victoria Dennington (DASSA) and Jo Taylor and Jackie Ruddock (Streetwize)
Aims
To explore the motivations, behaviours, risks and physical and psychological harms associated with the use of performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs).
Design and Method
There were three components to this study:
- A comprehensive review of the national and international literature in respect of the use of PIEDs for reasons other than improved elite sporting performance
- A national qualitative survey of current and past users of PIEDs from three target groups – adolescent males aged 16 years and above; members of the gay community; and employees in the security industry
- A qualitative survey of key informants who have knowledge of PIEDs users in the three target groups
Progress
Recruitment was completed at the end of August 2006. Unfortunately, the number of participants was lower than expected. Streetwize, NDARC and DASSA reviewed the recruitment situation and remedial strategies to increase recruitment were implemented (including conducting extra media and advertising campaigns). Although remedial strategies did result in an increase of participants, both DASSA and Streetwize continued to encounter considerable recruiting difficulties. A total of 70 user and 24 Key expert interviews were conducted.
Output
A report has been written and submitted to the funding body.
Funding
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing