Supplements, herbs and doping products usage among Uganda athletes and coaches

Summary
 The research project aims to assess the usage of supplements, herbal products, and doping substances among athletes and coaches in Uganda. The focus is on understanding the prevalence and patterns of consumption, as well as the existing frameworks and interventions related to these substances. The study explores whether athletes might inadvertently engage in doping through their supplement and herbal product usage.

Methodology

The study adopts a cross-sectional survey design involving 346 Ugandan athletes and 196 coaches across various sports regions. The survey utilizes the WADA-validated standard questionnaire to gather athletes' opinions on sports issues. Focused group interviews were conducted to collect interpretive data from coaches. The study encompasses male and female amateur and elite athletes participating in football, basketball, rugby, boxing, weightlifting, cycling, and athletics.

Results

The findings indicate a high rate of using protein-based supplements, consistent with previous research. However, the usage of banned performance-enhancing products is relatively low, raising the possibility of subjective reporting and misrepresentation. The study also highlights the prevalent consumption of herbal products in Uganda's healthcare industry. Coaches expressed varied beliefs regarding the usage and effects of performance-enhancing substances, with differing views on their necessity and impact on athletes' performance. There is a need for increased awareness and education among coaches and athletes about the risks and benefits of these substances.

Potential significance for Clean Sport

The research contributes valuable insights into the landscape of supplement, herbal, and doping product usage among Ugandan athletes and coaches. The findings underscore the importance of education and awareness programs to address the potential risks of inadvertent doping through supplement and herbal product usage. The study's outcomes can inform the development of targeted interventions to promote clean sport practices in Uganda, emphasizing the need for evidence-based education and effective frameworks to prevent doping.