Doping: epidemiological data

Prevalence: Whatever method is used (observation, interviews, questionnaire , laboratory tests), it is difficult to celled epidemiological data on dopi ng. Particularly difficult problems are related to the definitions of sport s players and the drugs involved as well as the often illicit nature of dru g use. Results: The prevalence of doping in children and adolescents participating in sports is estimated at 3% to 5% with higher percentages in boys, older adolescents and those playing at a competition level. Use of anabolic stero ids, as early as 8 years of age, has increased since 1990, especially in gi rls. All studies have emphasized how easy it is for adolescents to procure any prohibited drug. In adults participating in amateur sports, the prevale nce of doping would be 5% to 15%. All sports are involved with higher preva lence in men, age ranges 20-25 years and 35-39 years, and competitive level players. The main drugs used are stimulants, narcotics, corticosteroids an d anabolic steroids. Combination of at least 2 drugs is frequent with an in crease of mean daily dose over the last 15 years. According to users, the d rugs are obtained with a medical prescription, on the underground market, o r from other participants. Few data are available on doping outside sports activities. In the French department Meurthe-et-Moselle, 15% of the inhabit ants use drugs to improve their occupational performance. Conclusions: Doping is more widespread than would be expected from antidopi ng control data. other studies are needed to acquire more precise epidemiol ogical data.