Assesment of Use of Performance-Enhancing Substances and Methods among Wrestlers, Boxers, and Bodybuilders in Kenya

Abstract

Measuring prevalence of usage of performance enhancing drugs in Boxing, wrestling, and bodybuilding is difficult. However, to fit their initiatives, National Anti-Doping Organizations are interested in knowing the numbers so that their scarce resources are not wasted. The purpose of this study was to establish knowledge levels, attitudes towards the use of performance enhancing substances (PES), among athletes from boxing, wrestling, and bodybuilding federations in Kenya. The study utilized cross-sectional analytical research design. The study population comprised of 1900 athletes from the three sports disciplines with a sample size of 384 athletes. Close ended questionnaires were used as the data collection instrument. Data obtained from the respondents was coded and organized for analysis by use of SPSS version 25. Hypotheses were tested using one-way ANOVA and t-test at confidence level of 0.05. Post hoc analysis was carried out using Duncan Multiple Range Test where differences were found to be significant. Results on usage showed that majority of the respondents (74.2%) never used food supplements (FS) to improve sports performance. Many of the respondents (93.8%) had never used traditional herbs (TH) to improve sports performance. 91.9% never used PES to improve sports performance. Majority of the respondents (96.6%) indicated as never having been given food supplements by a coach, doctor, or physiotherapist to enhance performance. On supply of PES, 91.7% of the respondents had no information of if medical practitioner, local chemist, or sports agents supplied PES and methods. The results of one-way ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference in the use of FS, TH, PES, and Methods by athletes from the three sports disciplines, [F (2, 381) = 24.050, p < 0.000]. In conclusion and in light of the limitations of this study generally majority of the respondents did not use PES and methods. There were also significant differences in use of PES and methods across the different sports. The study recommended that sports federation officials from boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding should have a put proper structures for imparting knowledge and proper attitude on use of performance enhancing substances among athletes.