Pharmacy vs. Doping: Educating for a Cleaner Sport

Abstract

From a legal standpoint, doping refers to the use of prohibited substances or methods by athletes to enhance performance, which is illegal under national and international laws governing sports A major public health concern, doping in sports is on the rise and becoming more complex, using physiological, mechanical, and pharmaceutical methods. In the context of sports, doping is defined as the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) or other banned substances and methods by athletes to gain an unfair advantage in competition. Combating doping is an important responsibility of pharmacy practitioners. Although most in the pharmaceutical sector are in favor of outlawing performance-enhancing drugs from athletic competition, more specific training on anti-doping and doping is necessary.

The average pharmacist's knowledge score on the illegal status of pharmaceuticals is 53.2%, (according to a survey in Qatar) and their understanding of doping and anti-doping is minimal. Around half of the students in India had some ideas of which medications are illegal for athletes to consume. The knowledge level of pharmacy students is modest. Statements against doping in sports were also met with unfavorable views from them.

The purpose of this research was to examine the pharmaceutical industry's involvement in anti-doping medications and the pharmacists' understanding, perspective, and behavior about doping in athletic competition.