Adolescent elite athletes reported less use of cigarettes, snus, and alcohol than controls, though competing in team sports was strongly associated with snus use (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.6-4.7).
Cross-Sectional (n=956)
Yes
Does elite athlete status affect the use of cigarettes, snus, alcohol, and illicit drugs in adolescents?
Elite adolescent athletes generally use fewer legal drugs than controls, but team sport participation is strongly associated with snus use.
Absolute Event Rate: 1.2% vs 2.8%
The purpose was to examine cigarette smoking, use of snus, alcohol, and performance-enhancing illicit drugs among adolescent elite athletes and controls, and possible gender and sport group differences. First-year students at 16 Norwegian Elite Sport High Schools (n = 677) and two randomly selected high schools (controls, n = 421) were invited to participate. Totally, 602 athletes (89%) and 354 (84%) controls completed the questionnaire. More controls than athletes were smoking, using snus, and drinking alcohol. Competing in team sports was associated with use of snus odds ratio = 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6 to 4.7 and a similar percentage of male and female handball (22.2% vs 18.8%) and soccer players (15.7% vs 15.0%) reported using snus. For controls, not participating in organized sport was a predictor for smoking (odds ratio = 4.9, 95% CI 2.2 to 10.9). Female athletes were more prone to drink alcohol than males (46.3% vs 31.0%, P < 0.001). Only, 1.2% athletes and 2.8% controls reported use of performance-enhancing illicit drugs. In conclusion, use of legal drugs is less common among athletes, but this relationship depends on type of sport and competition level. The association between team sports and use of snus suggests that sport subcultures play a role.
Martinsen et al. (2012) conducted a cross-sectional in Substance use in adolescent elite athletes (n=956). Elite athlete status vs. Non-elite athlete controls was evaluated on Use of performance-enhancing illicit drugs. Adolescent elite athletes reported less use of cigarettes, snus, and alcohol than controls, though competing in team sports was strongly associated with snus use (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.6-4.7).