Medication information and supply behaviours in elite and developing athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Pharmacy
• Athlete Medication Management
• Pharmacist Role in Sports

Background:

• Understanding medication acquisition and information-seeking behaviors of athletes is crucial for optimizing healthcare.
• Elite and developing athletes have unique needs regarding medication use and adherence to anti-doping regulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how elite and developing athletes obtain medications and medication information.
• To identify the perceived and actual role of pharmacists in supporting athlete healthcare.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a 39-item electronic questionnaire.
• The survey targeted athletes aged 18 years and above at a state-based sporting institute.
• Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative comments were analyzed using inductive reasoning.

Main Results:

• 91.84% of athletes obtained medications recently, with pharmacies being the primary source for both prescription and non-prescription drugs.
• 45.92% of athletes visited pharmacies for minor ailments, and 63.27% sometimes consulted pharmacists for information.
• Only 11.22% were aware of policies requiring medical consultation before using certain medications, though 40.82% believed pharmacists could aid medication management.

Conclusions:

• Athletes commonly utilize pharmacies for medication needs and minor health issues.
• Despite reliance on doping agency websites for information, athletes perceive a potential role for pharmacists in their medication management.
• Further research is needed to assess pharmacist readiness for an expanded role in sports pharmacy.