Doping: Factors Responsible for the Inclination Among Athletes—A Systematic Review

Abstract Doping remains a persistent challenge in modern sport, threatening athlete health and the integrity of competition. Despite strict antidoping regulations, athletes continue to show an inclination toward the use of prohibited substances. This review examines the key psychological, social, economic, and institutional factors responsible for doping behavior among athletes. A literature search was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol, and the databases searched were PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and SPORTDiscus. Peer-reviewed articles that investigated the psychological, social, economic, and institutional variables that influence the use of doping by athletes were included in the search. The results were thematically summarized in the narrative review. Evidence from recent academic literature suggests that performance pressure, fear of failure, injury-related demands, lack of antidoping knowledge, peer and coach influence, and financial incentives play a central role. Addressing these interconnected factors through education, mental health support, and ethical sports governance is essential for effective doping prevention.