Evaluation of a student pharmacist approach to NCAA substance education for student athletes

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requires schools to provide anti-doping education to student athletes. The purpose of this project was to assess the effectiveness of student pharmacist-led education on NCAA student athletes' knowledge of banned supplements and nutritional/dietary supplements.

Student athletes at one Midwest public university were provided a 20-min educational presentation on banned substances and nutritional and dietary supplements delivered by two student pharmacists. Student athletes were invited to complete a knowledge assessment at baseline and after the presentation. The assessment consisted of two demographic questions and 13 knowledge questions.

Two hundred thirty-three student athletes provided matched pre- and post-intervention data for analysis. There was an increase in the mean knowledge scores (13 points maximum); 9.8 (75%) before and 11.1 (85%) after the intervention. Student athletes gained more knowledge in the topic areas of stimulant medications and identification of credible drug sources. They gained less knowledge in the topic area of anabolic steroid use.

Student pharmacist-led education resulted in statistically significant increases in student athlete knowledge of banned substances and nutritional/dietary supplements. The educational presentation is adaptable and easily transferable to other universities. Schools of pharmacy should consider implementing student pharmacist-led education to student athletes to meet NCAA education requirements.