Knowledge, attitude and perception of Malaysian pharmacy students towards doping in sports

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDoping in sports has become an increasingly prominent issue worldwide. The use of various performance‐enhancing substances or methods can be detrimental to health.AimThe aim of this study was to measure the knowledge, attitude and perception of pharmacy students in Malaysia towards doping in sports.MethodsThis study was a cross‐sectional study. Final‐year pharmacy students studying in seven universities in Malaysia completed a self‐administered survey. The questionnaire collected demographic data, as well as information regarding students’ knowledge, attitude and perception of drugs in sport. For the students' knowledge, it was scored over the range 0–8, with higher scores indicating better knowledge.ResultsOverall, 273 respondents were included in the study. Most respondents were female, had a Cumulative Grade Points Average of 3.00–4.00, watched sports programs, played sports regularly and attended courses related to drugs in sport. Respondents had a moderate level of knowledge (median score of 5 ± 2). There was a significant difference in the level of knowledge between respondents who did and did not attend courses on drugs in sport (p < 0.01). Generally, respondents had negative attitudes towards statements on doping in sports. Respondents also had a good perception of the need to implement doping prevention initiatives.ConclusionPharmacy students in Malaysia had a moderate level of knowledge of and negative attitudes and perceptions towards doping in sports despite not all of them being enrolled in drugs in sport courses. The pharmacy curriculum in Malaysia should incorporate courses on drugs in sport throughout undergraduate studies to better promote the development of this domain.