High prevalence of tobacco-related at-risk behavior in rugby referees: Contemporary data from a large regional survey

Background Although rugby referees are at risk given the highly demanding and intermittent nature of physical activity during match and training, their cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, in particular smoking, has been only poorly investigated. Moreover, as they may have an educational role for delivering preventive message, referees knowledge on healthy behaviour, including tobacco consumption, is of great concern. Methods In 2017, an anonymous questionnaire through an electronic link on tobacco smoking and vaping habits was sent to all the French Rugby Federation referees covering the Burgundy region. Among the 84 regional referees, 71 (85%) filled in the questionnaire and were included in the analysis. Results All referees were male, and 46% were >35 y old. Almost half (44%) were also player (37%) or coach (24%). Surprisingly, the smoking prevalence was quite high (32%), half smokers were heavy daily (>16 cig/d) and 30% were long-lasting (>11y) smokers. Although a minority of referees has smoked Conclusion Our works, in a representative sample of referees at regional scale, highlight a high prevalence of tobacco smoking, in particular after a rugby session, and vaping. Targeting referees to health information could reduce their CV risk and, as a high-rate of them are also coaches, amplify the preventive effect of such programs.