Non-illicit substances at cardiovascular risk among more than 1000 rugby players, coaches and referees: Insights from a contemporary survey.

Harmful effects of some non-illicit substances including tobacco, alcohol and caffeine may evoke sudden death, myocardial infarction and severe arrhythmias. Exercising is a keystone of cardiovascular prevention; however, substance use may impair these beneficial effects. To analyse knowledge and behaviours regarding non-illicit substances among a regional sport population participating in the French rugby championship. From April 8th to July 3rd 2023, an anonymous online questionnaire was displayed to the 8368 players aged 12 y and more, the coaches and referees from the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Among the respondents, 1061 were players, 195 coaches and 68 referees. Among the 1061 players respondents (13%), most were men (82.9%), median age was 22 (IQR 16–30) y. Women were younger than men (21y, IQR (16–29) vs 24 y (IQR 18–33), P = 0.017). Almost one third (32.1%) thought that sport cleans the smoker's lungs. Among the whole population, half (50.5%) have experienced tobacco smoking, including 18.1% of the younger players (< 18y). Since the beginning of the sport season, prevalence of cigarette smoking was high, at 29.1%, with 15.4% of daily consumption. These rates were similar in men and women. Almost one third (31.7%) of smokers were not aware of the risk of their cigarette consumption. Among referees and coaches, respectively 17.6% and 16.4% smoke within the 2 hours before and after a rugby session, i.e. often in the presence of players. Alcohol intake within one hour before a match was declared by 35.6% of alcohol drinkers, mostly among male (P < 0.0001); aim to performance enhancing was declared by 17.8% of them. Binge drinking was common, up to 81.3% of users, mostly among male. Energy drink during the season was declared by 20.7% of players, significantly more often among male (P < 0.001). Among them, more than 3 upon 4 declared an intake in the hour before the rugby session of whom almost 50% to enhance their performance. Non-illicit substance consumption remains common among rugby players of this French region. Consumption patterns in the setting of a sport session may increase CV risk; moreover, these behaviours concerning tobacco smoking may be harmful for their peers through second hand smoke, and can be an incentive to smoke. Our findings highlight the urgent need of health education and prevention addressing substances consumption in this population; these actions must include referees and coaches as relevant targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]