Evaluation of knowledge and perceptions of pharmacy students towards doping and the need for doping education

Abstract

Background: Despite the need for doping prevention strategies, information about doping awareness among pharmacy professionals is limited. Therefore, developing a pharmacy workforce or specialized pharmacists with expertise in sports pharmacy is a necessity, but also a subject of global health significance. Objective:  Objective of this study was to assess pharmacy student’s knowledge and perceptions of doping and anti-doping in sports and to explore the curricular needs in the field of sports pharmacy. Methodology: An 18 item questionnaire developed according to World Anti-Doping Code and the FIP Statement on pharmacist’s role against doping in sports was employed to collect data from pharmacy students at Ezhuthachan College of pharmaceutical sciences. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Questionnaires were distributed to 300 pharmacy students, among them 237 students participated in the survey, with a response rate of 79%.  respondents said that they were familiar with the word doping were 78%. 39 respondents (16.5%) had attended a lecture about doping, (83%) had not.  222 respondents held the view that it is not fair for the athletes to use prohibited substances to improve their performance were (94%). According to 40 respondents (17%), most common doping violation in India is unintentional doping and 175 respondents (74%) claimed it to be intentional doping. Only a few   respondents correctly recognized the WADA- banned drugs.  Most of the respondents think that pharmacist should  get involved in anti-doping activities for athletes.  Many   (73 %) are interested to have training for doping. Conclusion: The study highlights the need to provide pharmacy students with advanced theoretical background and practical training concerning doping.