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Athletes' knowledge and views on OTC medication.
D Mottram1, N Chester, G Atkinson
1School of Pharmacy & Chemistry, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom. d.r.mottram@ljmu.ac.uk
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|April 11, 2008
Summary
Elite athletes show limited knowledge of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and their anti-doping status. Targeted education is crucial for athletes to understand risks and make informed decisions regarding OTC drug use.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Anti-Doping
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications were removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List in 2004.
- Elite athletes' understanding of these changes and the implications for banned substances is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess elite athletes' knowledge and understanding of OTC medications.
- To explore athlete perceptions regarding the risks and performance-enhancing potential of OTC stimulants.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to elite athletes from four countries (Australia, Canada, UK, USA) across 10 Olympic sports.
- Data collected focused on awareness of WADA regulations, penalties, and the status of OTC substances.
Main Results:
- Athletes demonstrated limited knowledge regarding OTC medication status and anti-doping rules.
- Only 35.1% correctly identified the status of substances in relation to the Prohibited List.
- Around half knew the penalties for doping violations involving OTC stimulants.
Conclusions:
- Elite athletes require enhanced, targeted education on OTC medications and WADA regulations.
- Informed decision-making regarding therapeutic or performance-enhancing OTC use is essential for athlete integrity.
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