Impact of an Anti-doping Education Session on Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs Among University Students in sports-related Programmes

Abstract

Background: Reports of doping cases have put Kenya’s renowned athletic prowess into disrepute. The impact of educational interventions spearheaded by Anti-doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) is unknown, with sessions hardly being appraised. Objective: This study examined the efficacy of an anti-doping education session in impacting the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KAB) among university students in sport-related courses. It was postulated that there would be significant changes in the students’ KAB after the anti-doping education session, moderated by age, gender, year of study, sport competition experience and study programme clusters. Methods: Cross-sectional and quasi-experimental designs were applied. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires before and after a one day anti-doping education session conducted by the ADAK. Participants (n=174) were students from three sports-related academic programmes who are expected to occupy athletes’ support personnel positions after graduation. Results: Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test showed significant differences in general knowledge on performance-enhancing substances (PES) (Z=-6.084; p