Perceptions on the Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs by Athletes in Selected Counties of North Rift, Kenya.

Abstract

Some Kenyan athletes have tested positive for medicinal, recreational or prohibited substances that are in the Prohibited list of World Anti-doping Agency. Depending on the nature of their violation, these athletes have been banned from participating in their sport either for a period or even for life. The purpose of this study was to understand perceptions on the use of performance enhancing drugs by athletes in selected counties of North Rift, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to examine the attitude of North Rift athletes towards use of performance enhancing drugs, to determine the knowledge of performance enhancing drugs among the athletes, to establish factors that influence the practice of doping and to establish possible practice of doping among the athletes in this region. The research used survey design to investigate the problem. A questionnaire was used to measure the questions that were put forward. On assessment of attitude towards use of PEDs, 19.2% strongly agreed that athletes don’t have other sources of income except in sports so they must perform. On knowledge of PEDs, only 6.2% strongly agree that they can be tested anywhere and at any time. On factors influencing use of PEDs, 50% believe that not everyone gets tested so they could escape and win a prize. The study concludes that lack of knowledge of prohibited substances, the urgent need of money and success, the need to alleviate poverty and pressure to perform are all key aspects that contribute to doping among athletes.