Inconsistencies in Health Behavior and Attitudes of Physical Education Student Teachers – Focus on Stimulant Treatment for ADHD

Aim: To evaluate the attitude of physical education student teachers (PEST) towards stimulant therapy (ST) for ADHD and harmful substances versus those of non-PEST.

Methods: A questionnaire regarding the prevalence of stimulant use and of harmful substances was sent to PEST and non-PEST.

Results: 438 PEST and 214 non-PEST answered. More PEST reported they were not using harmful substances and fewer reported smoking than non-PEST. Nevertheless, more PEST reported to using marijuana and alcohol. There was no difference regarding present use of stimulants, however more PEST reported to be currently using non-prescribed stimulants, and more often on not taking their prescribed medication. Furthermore, PEST were more decisive against encouraging their future students to comply with ST.

Discussion: Our results suggest that these inconsistencies in behavior may indicate a self-sufficient attitude of PEST regarding ST. We suggest that health promotors such as PEST should be more educated about ST.