Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Distinction Paper

Department

Health & Sport Sciences

Advisor

Dr. Robert Braun, Ph.D., MPH, CHES

First Committee Member

Shelley Payne, DHS, PT, ATC, AT

Keywords

Theory of Planned Behavior, Division III, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), College Athletes

Subject Categories

Other Social and Behavioral Sciences | Sports Sciences | Sports Studies

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used amongst athletes for a variety of reasons. The purpose of this research is to compare the usage of NSAIDs among different athletic teams and to gain insight on Division III athletes’ views and opinions of NSAIDs. The population participating in this study would include one Midwestern DIII athletic department. The goal of this research was to identify statistically significant behaviors, perceptions, and knowledge of NSAIDs between various athletic teams and determine if the athlete’s’ perceptions and actions align with the appropriate use of NSAIDs.

Of the 77 athletes that took the survey, 47 took NSAIDs for athletic reasons. By utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study found attitude toward behavior as the strongest predictor of behavioral intentions. Both perceived behavioral control and intention were statistically significant predictors of behavior. Surprisingly athletes perceived less than 25% of their teammates as taking NSAIDs. Further assessment should include more athletes in a wider variety of sports to get a better representation of the athletic department.

Comments

Special thanks to Dr. William V. Harper, PhD., PE, who provided assistance with the data analysis.

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