Are doping substances imported into Switzerland mainly to increase athletic performance?

- The social characteristics of Swiss doping importers vary across demographic categories.
- Doping substances were not principally imported by licensed athletes.
- Doping substances were mainly imported for image enhancing reasons.
- Policy makers need to consider the implications of anti-doping as a method of drug control outside sport.

BackgroundDoping substances are those thought to increase athletic performance, enhance image, or overcome the effects of ageing. This study aims to evaluate the profiles of people and the reasons for importing substances appearing on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List into Switzerland, which is illegal under Swiss law.MethodsA survey was conducted among people intending to illegally import doping substances in 2013 and 2014. A questionnaire with 29 items was developed, aiming to collect importers' socio-demographic information, data on their sports practices, import characteristics, import motivations, product quality awareness and knowledge of the Swiss Sports Law. In total, 491 questionnaires were sent to doping product importers, with 147 (30%) responding.ResultsGender analysis showed a higher percentage of importation of doping products resulted by men (81%) than by women (18%). Swiss doping product importers were physically active people, but not competing athletes. Men preferentially imported anabolic androgenic steroids and supplements. They admitted that the motivation to import the products was to increase muscle size and improve athletic performance. Women mainly imported products with the intention of losing weight. Apart from supplements, which were imported for performance enhancing reasons, doping products were imported into Switzerland principally for image enhancing reasons.ConclusionIn Switzerland, doping substance misuse is not limited to regulated sport, it is present in the general population and therefore may become a public health issue.