Analysis of Cognitive Mechanisms Regulating the Use of Dietary Supplements and Performance-Enhancing Substances in Young Iraqi Weightlifters

Salih Mahdi  Mukheef Fatlawi; Hamid Zahedi; Ali  Shaboot Ibrahim; Rokhsare  Badami

doi:10.61838/

Authors

Salih Mahdi Mukheef Fatlawi PhD student, Department of Motor Behavior, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

Hamid Zahedi * Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Medicine Research, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran. hamidzhd@yahoo.com

Ali Shaboot Ibrahim Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.

Rokhsare Badami Professor, Department of Motor Behavior, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.61838/

Keywords:

Theory of Planned Behavior, perceived behavioral control, attitude, subjective norms, dietary supplements, performance-enhancing substances, weightlifting

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the cognitive mechanisms influencing the use of dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances among young Iraqi weightlifters. This research was descriptive-correlational and conducted using a survey method. The statistical population consisted of 376 active weightlifters across 16 cities in Iraq during the years 2023–2024. A total of 324 individuals were selected through stratified random sampling proportional to the population size. A researcher-designed questionnaire was employed to measure the variables under investigation. This questionnaire was designed to assess attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms regarding the consumption of dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances. The reliability of the questionnaire, confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha, was above 0.70, and its validity was verified by experts in the field of sports sciences. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25 and Smart PLS. The results indicated positive and significant relationships between attitude (β = 0.653, P = 0.001), subjective norms (β = 0.498, P = 0.001), and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.498, P = 0.001) with the consumption of dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances among young Iraqi weightlifters. Young Iraqi weightlifters are influenced by a complex array of psychological factors that drive them toward the use of dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances, increasing the prevalence of such behaviors among these athletes. It is recommended to implement educational and awareness programs addressing the negative consequences of using performance-enhancing substances, ethical considerations, and healthier alternatives to improve the athletic performance of young Iraqi weightlifters. These initiatives aim to shift attitudes, reduce social pressures, and help athletes achieve their sports goals.