Knowledge and Perceptions of Pharmacy Students in Qatar on Anti-Doping in Sports and on Sports Pharmacy in Undergraduate Curricula

Abstract

Objective. To assess pharmacy students' knowledge and perceptions of doping and anti-doping in sports and to explore the curricular needs for undergraduate pharmacy in the field of sports pharmacy. Methods. A cross-sectional, descriptive, web-based survey of pharmacy students was conducted at Qatar University College of Pharmacy from March to May 2014. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. Eighty respondents completed the online survey (80% response rate). Sixty percent were unaware of the World Anti-Doping Agency, and 85% were unaware of the International Pharmaceutical Federation's statement on the pharmacist's role in anti-doping. Students' knowledge score regarding the prohibited status of drugs that may be used by athletes was around 50%. Fourth-year pharmacy students had significantly higher knowledge scores than the other groups of students. Respondents acknowledged the important role of health care professionals, including pharmacists, as advisors on the safe and effective use of drugs in sports. Ninety percent of the students supported the inclusion of sports pharmacy in the curriculum. Conclusion. Pharmacy students indicated a strong desire to play a role in doping prevention and ensure safe and rational use of drugs among athletes. They suggested requiring an education and training strategy for sports pharmacy in undergraduate pharmacy curricula.

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

“…A continuing professional development module could also be designed for training practicing pharmacists to play a more effective role in sports events and/or work in association with hospitals or clinics that primarily focus on sports patients. [8] In alignment with previous studies [6,7,8] , this study indicated that pharmacy students support sports pharmacy being incorporated into the curriculum. Many of the findings were in line with previous studies [5][6][7][8].…”

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

“…The questionnaire used in the present study was adapted from previous literature in the area . The survey comprised four sections (A–D).…”

“…Section A collected information about the sociodemographic background of the students and Section B evaluated their knowledge of doping. Section B tested the ability of the respondents to recognise, from a list of eight substances, those substances that are prohibited under WADA's annually renewed Prohibited List . Knowledge was assessed on the basis of the marks the respondents obtained in this section, with each correct answer awarded 1 mark, whereas wrong answers or answering ‘Don't know’ were given a mark of 0.…”

Knowledge and practice characteristics of pharmacists in Qatar towards medication use in pregnancy: a cross-sectional survey

“…Most of the survey questions were adopted from previously validated surveys and tailored to meet the objectives of the current study (20)(21)(22). Previous questionnaire-based studies in Qatar have shown that surveys in English can be an effective tool to gather information from practising pharmacists in Qatar, even though the majority of pharmacists originate from Arabic-speaking countries (20,23).…”