Perceived Myths and Truths About Women's Participation in Sports and Their Effects on Participation Levels in Sierra Leone

Background: Perceived myths about women's participation in sports remain a significant barrier to gender equity in athletic engagement, particularly in sub-Saharan African contexts. This study investigated the perceived myths and truths about women's participation in sports and assessed their effects on participation levels in Bo and Kenema cities, Sierra Leone. Methods: A descriptive survey research design with mixed-methods approach was adopted. A total sample of 350 respondents was drawn using simple random sampling from female athletes (n = 280), coaches (n = 50), and parents (n = 20) in Bo and Kenema cities. Structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides were used for data collection. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and inferential statistics including one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient. Qualitative data were analysed using Thematic Content Analysis. Instrument reliability was established at Pearson's r = 0.82 (test-retest) and Cronbach's α = 0.79. Results: Findings revealed that 88.2% (n = 149) of athlete respondents confirmed the existence of perceived myths about women in sports. The most prevalent myths included the belief that sports cause barrenness (18.6%), loss of femininity/masculinization (17.1%), disruption of the menstrual cycle (17.1%), and loss of virginity (11.4%). One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in myth belief across age groups [F(3, 165) = 8.461, p < 0.001], with younger athletes (10-26 years) exhibiting higher myth adherence (92.0%-94.5%) compared to older athletes (26-34 years: 78.6%; 34-42 years: 25.0%). A significant positive correlation was found between myth belief and reduced participation levels (r = 0.226, t = 2.945, p < 0.01). Gender-based discrimination was experienced by 81.7% of respondents. Cultural norms were identified as playing a major role in perpetuating myths by 55.0% of respondents, with cultural norms significantly correlated with media coverage perceptions (r = 0.364, t = 5.051, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Perceived myths significantly hinder women's sports participation in Bo and Kenema cities through reinforcement of gender stereotypes, social stigma, and reduced institutional support. Evidence-based myth-busting campaigns, female role model visibility, and gender-sensitive sports policies are urgently needed to improve participation levels.