Over-the-counter medication usage and knowledge of anti-doping in English football league players: a questionnaire-based study

Abstract

Introducción: Los atletas profesionales muestran insuficiente conocimiento sobre el uso de medicamentos de venta libre (MVL) y las sanciones por dopaje. A la fecha, no hay literatura publicada que describa el uso de MVL en futbolistas. El objetivo del estudio fue describir el uso de MVL y los conocimientos de los futbolistas sobre el antidopaje en la liga de fútbol inglesa (EFL). Métodos: Estudio transversal a futbolistas de tres equipos profesionales de la EFL. El conocimiento de antidopaje y uso de MVL se evaluó con 12 y 6 preguntas respectivamente. Resultados: 57 futbolistas completaron el cuestionario. El 47% de los jugadores utilizó MVL durante la temporada. Los medicamentos utilizados con mayor frecuencia fueron analgésicos (38%) y antiinflamatorios (24%). Las farmacias fueron el lugar más común donde los jugadores obtuvieron MVL (44%). Solo el 32% de los participantes informó buscar asesoramiento antes del uso de medicamentos y verificaba ingredientes previo al consumo. Se encontró un coeficiente de correlación positivo moderado (r = 0,46, p <0,01) entre el número de respuestas correctas en preguntas de antidopaje y mayor cautela con respecto al uso de MVL. Conclusión: Los futbolistas que demostraron mayor conocimiento de antidopaje fueron más cautelosos con el uso de MVL.

Introduction: Professional athletes demonstrate limited understanding and awareness about using over the counter medications (OTC) and doping sanctions. This situation puts them at risk of taking banned substances. To date, there is no published literature exploring OTC usage in footballers. The aim of the study was to describe the use of OTC medication and footballer’s knowledge of anti-doping in the English football league (EFL). Methods: a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was carried out on members from three professional teams in the EFL. Footballers age 17 or older were included in the study. Players decided to participate voluntarily and informed consent was uphold. Knowledge of anti-doping and usage of OTC medication was assessed with 12 and 6 close-ended questions respectively. Results: 57 footballers completed the questionnaire, with a mean age of 21 years. The highest level of education achievement was GCSE level in 84% of participants. OTC medication was used by 47% of players during the season. The most frequent medications used were painkillers (38%) and non-steroid anti-inflammatories (24%). Pharmacies were the most common source were players obtained OTC medications (44%). Only 32% of participants reported looking for advice prior medication use and 33% checked their ingredients prior consumption. On average, the number of anti-doping questions answered correctly was 7.7 out of 12. A moderate positive correlation coefficient (r=0.46, p<0.01) between number of correct answers in antidoping questions and greater caution regarding OTC medicines use was found. Conclusion: Footballers who demonstrated more anti-doping knowledge were more cautious towards OTC medication usage. Promoting knowledge by understanding the risks and doping penalties due to OTC medication use can improve the decisionmaking of footballers.