Being in control? A thematic content analysis of 14 in-depth interviews with 2,4-dinitrophenol users

Ainsworth, Neha Prasad; Vargo, Elisabeth Julie; Petróczi, Andrea

doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.12.012

Cited by 12 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Notably, the approach to manage the risks with 2,4-DNP differed between the current study and of Hoxha and Petróczi ( 40 ), and the studies in which the primary focus was on bodybuilders’ lived experiences and rationalisations ( 19 , 25 , 48 ). Contrary to the general views about risks and unpleasant side effects expressed in the present study was avoidance (i.e., not doing it if ….…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 73%

“…This may indicate why females are more concerned over body weight in accordance to appearance and explain the increasing number of deaths in young females due to black market slimming pills. Notably, however, 2,4-DNP users are predominantly males ( 19 , 25 ) which might be due to the fact that 2,4-DNP is considered a controversial drug even within bodybuilding and among those who otherwise use a wide range of performance- and image-enhancing substances ( 19 , 48 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is increasing research indicating men and boys are becoming more concerned with body image and are undergoing more peer pressure to become slender and muscular [e.g., ( 67 )]. This may be one reason why 2,4-DNP is prevalent within the bodybuilding community ( 48 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Contrary to the general views about risks and unpleasant side effects expressed in the present study was avoidance (i.e., not doing it if …. ), bodybuilders’ approach to 2,4-DNP-related risks was to have control over as many aspects as possible ( 19 , 48 ). One plausible reason for the observed differences is the use of a situation, which does not translate directly to nor can be interpreted as actual behaviour.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…With a few exceptions [e.g., Ref. ( 19 , 25 , 40 , 48 )], thought processes and rationalization of 2,4-DNP use have not been adequately captured. Understanding people’s motives for taking risk with 2,4-DNP as well as understanding how they negotiate the risks and where they draw the line is vital for devising meaningful prevention and harm-reduction strategies [see Presentation S1 in Supplementary Material for an example of a real-world case study ( 49 )].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Would You Use It With a Seal of Approval? Important Attributes of 2,4-Dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) as a Hypothetical Pharmaceutical Product

2018

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Background2,4-Dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) is an effective but highly dangerous fat burner, not licensed for human consumption. Death cases reported for 2,4-DNP overdose, particularly among young adults, have raised concerns about the ineffective regulatory control, lack of education and risks associated with impurity, and the unknown concentration of 2,4-DNP purchased on the Internet.MethodsUsing a sequential mixed method design and based on a hypothetical scenario as if 2,4-DNP was a licensed pharmaceutical drug, first we conducted a qualitative study to explore what product attributes people consider when buying a weight-loss aid. Focus group interviews with six females and three males (mean age = 21.6 ± 1.8 years) were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to thematic analysis. Sixteen attributes were identified for the Best–Worst Scale (BWS) in the quantitative survey with 106 participants (64% female, mean age = 27.1 ± 11.9 years), focusing on 2,4-DNP. Demographics, weight satisfaction, and risk for eating disorder data were collected.ResultsIn contrast to experienced users such as bodybuilders, our study participants approached 2,4-DNP cautiously. Attributes of 2,4-DNP as a hypothetical weight-loss drug comprised a range of desirable and avoidable features. Of the 16 selected attributes, BWS suggested that long-term side effects were the most and branding was the least important attribute. Effectiveness and short-term side effects were also essential. Those in the >25 year group showed least concerns for legality. Neutral BWS scores for cost, treatment, degree of lifestyle changes required, and specificity required for the hypothetical weight-loss drug to be effective were likely caused by disagreement about their importance among the participants, not indifference.ConclusionWith advances in research, 2,4-DNP as a pharmaceutical drug in the future for treating neurodegenerative diseases and potentially for weight loss is not inconceivable. Caution is warranted for interpreting the BWS scores. Owing to the difference in what data represent at individual vs. population levels, with pooled data, the method correctly identifies attributes by which most people are satisfied but misrepresents attributes that are individually very important but not universally agreed. Whilst this may be an advantage in marketing applications, it limits the utility of BWS as a research tool.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 73%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Would You Use It With a Seal of Approval? Important Attributes of 2,4-Dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) as a Hypothetical Pharmaceutical Product

2018

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Harm Reduction in Male Patients Actively Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) and Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs): a Review

2021

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Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) and performanceenhancing drug (PED) use is a prevalent medical issue, especially among men, with an estimated 2.9-4 million Americans using AAS in their lifetime. Prior studies of AAS use reveal an association with polycythemia, dyslipidemia, infertility, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and multiple behavioral disorders. AAS withdrawal syndrome, a state of depression, anhedonia, and sexual dysfunction after discontinuing AAS use, is a common barrier to successful cessation. Clinical resources for these patients and training of physicians on management of the patient using AAS are limited. Many men are hesitant to seek traditional medical care due to fear of judgment and lack of confidence in physician knowledge base regarding AAS. While proposed approaches to weaning patients off AAS are published, guidance on harm reduction for actively using patients remains sparse. Medical education regarding the management of AAS use disorder is paramount to improving care of this currently underserved patient population. Management of these patients must be non-judgmental and focus on patient education, harm reduction, and support for cessation. The approach to harm reduction should be guided by the specific AAS/ PEDs used.

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Long-term intake of the illegal diet pill DNP reduces lifespan in a captive bird model

Stier

Bize

Massemin

et al. 2021

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology &

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Being in control? A thematic content analysis of 14 in-depth interviews with 2,4-dinitrophenol users

Cited by 12 publications

References 42 publications

Would You Use It With a Seal of Approval? Important Attributes of 2,4-Dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) as a Hypothetical Pharmaceutical Product

Would You Use It With a Seal of Approval? Important Attributes of 2,4-Dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) as a Hypothetical Pharmaceutical Product

Harm Reduction in Male Patients Actively Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) and Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs): a Review

Long-term intake of the illegal diet pill DNP reduces lifespan in a captive bird model

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