Pharmacy Students' Engagement with Anti-Doping Issues in Sports: A Study from a Single College

Background: The growing misuse of performance-enhancing drugs is a global concern, with doping cases increasingly reported by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Unintentional doping often results from a lack of awareness among athletes regarding the substances they consume. Although athletes are ultimately responsible for what they take, healthcare professionals play an essential role in preventing accidental doping. This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pharmacy students concerning doping and anti-doping efforts. Objective: This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pharmacy students concerning doping and anti-doping efforts. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 192 final-year pharmacy students at PSG College of Pharmacy. A 15-item questionnaire assessed students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to doping. The survey was distributed via Google Forms during the 2023–2024 academic year, with follow-up reminders to ensure full participation. Results: The findings showed that 69% of students were familiar with the term "doping," although only 12% had attended a related lecture. Most participants (81%) agreed that the use of banned substances in sports is unfair. Awareness of the potential for over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements to contain prohibited substances was 55%, while 67% were unaware of the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s (FIP) stance on anti-doping. Furthermore, 86% believed that pharmacists should be involved in anti-doping efforts, 60% expressed interest in receiving anti-doping training, and 77% supported the advancement of sports pharmacy. Conclusion: Pharmacy students displayed a moderate level of knowledge regarding anti-doping. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating anti-doping content into pharmacy curricula to better equip future professionals for their role in promoting clean sport.