In force Publication date 05 Jun 18

Evaluation of a school-based intervention program: NADA Austria’s anti-doping school program

Principal investigator
C. Blank
Researcher
H. Janas
Researcher
D. Muller
Researcher
D. Senft
Country
Austria
Institution
Tyrolean Private University UMIT TIROL
Year approved
2018
Status
Completed
Themes
Adolescent, Youth, Talent-level, Children, Education and prevention

Project description

Summary

The International Standard for Education (ISE) mandates WADA Code Signatories to implement anti-doping education. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Austria designed a school-based anti-doping intervention for adolescents aged 14-19, implemented in Austrian sport-focused schools. The aim of this project was to evaluate the possible effects of  intervention on different outcomes including knowledge about NADA Austria’s offerings, trust and satisfaction with the work of national and international sport organizations responsible for doping prevention.

Methodology

1st Phase - School-Based Intervention Program:
Quasi-experimental research over 4 years (2018-2021).
Two groups: Intervention (attending NADA program) and Control (not attending).
Targeted population: 27 intervention schools (160 students) and 17 control schools (160 students).
Each intervention class received two 50-minute lessons on anti-doping yearly.
Questionnaires used to assess intervention effects over three time points.
2nd Phase - Stakeholder Interviews:
Qualitative semi-structured interviews in November 2022.
Targeted stakeholders: Teachers, school directors, sports coordinators, NADA representatives.

 

Results

The program improved knowledge about anti-doping, which helps avoid unintentional doping. Other factors like self-confidence, control, attitudes, and fairness didn't change much. Low situational temptation, indicating athletes' natural maturing over time.
Values of moral decision-making (cheating acceptance) showed positive but decreasing trends. 
Control group had higher mean value for avoiding unintentional doping behavior at study's end.
 

Significance for Clean Sport

Lessons from the practice-oriented approach are transferable to similar setups where science, sport organizations, and stakeholders collaborate. Clear communication and commitment are vital. Transparent planning, recognizing all parties' importance, fosters successful cooperation. Combining knowledge, values, and psychological elements is recommended for effective anti-doping education.

This study demonstrated significant knowledge improvements in anti-doping areas crucial for preventing unintended doping. While psychological variables' evidence was unclear due to COVID-19 challenges, combining knowledge and psychological interventions remains a proven strategy for impactful anti-doping education.

 

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