Study of an Anti-Doping Education Program in Spanish Sports Sciences Students

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Anti-Doping Education
• Sports Ethics

Background:

• Doping poses a significant threat to the integrity of elite sports.
• Athletes' support personnel are crucial in preventing doping behaviors.
• Evidence-based anti-doping education programs are needed for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of an anti-doping education program on sports science students.
• To assess changes in perceptions regarding substance efficacy, health effects, and doping morality.
• To explore the effectiveness of online educational interventions in elite sports.

Main Methods:

• 145 Physical Activity and Sport Sciences (PASS) students from Spanish universities participated.
• An online anti-doping educational course provided by the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission (CELAD) was administered.
• A questionnaire assessed perceptions before, immediately after, and four months post-course.

Main Results:

• The educational course significantly reduced students' lack of knowledge concerning the effects of doping substances on performance and health.
• Participants demonstrated increased moral judgment and a stronger negative stance against doping.
• The findings align with previous research on improving moral attitudes through education.

Conclusions:

• Online anti-doping educational interventions are effective in mitigating doping behaviors.
• Implementing such programs for athletes' support personnel (ASP) can be a viable strategy to reduce doping in elite sports.
• Educational initiatives can positively influence moral reasoning and reduce doping prevalence.