Validation of the Arabic version of the performance enhancement attitude scale (PEAS)

Background: Doping is a significant issue among athletes worldwide, not only during competitions but even more so in the preparation phase to boost their performance. Understanding athletes' attitudes toward doping is crucial for designing interventions that support anti-doping efforts. Objectives: This study aims at validating an Arabic version of the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS), thereby providing a valuable tool for further doping research in Arabic-speaking countries. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using a predesigned interview questionnaire to collect general characteristics data from 200 adult athletes of both sexes recruited from different sports clubs in Alexandria, Egypt. The PEAS was translated to Arabic and then back to English to ensure accuracy. The reliability of the PEAS was measured by internal consistency and split-half reliability using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Construct validity was determined by factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an acceptable fit (X2 = 194.196, X2/df = 4.35, SRMR = 0.068, CFI = 0.92). Results: The alpha coefficient for the Arabic version of the PEAS (17 items) was 0.872, indicating a high degree of internal consistency. The split-half reliability was 0.812. Conclusions: The study results show that the Arabic version of the PEAS (17 items) is a valid and reliable instrument to assess attitudes toward doping among Arabic-speaking athletes.