The Level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Doping Among Athletes and Coaches in Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Pahang

This research aims to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of doping among athletes and coaches in Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Pahang. Due to the Covid-19 movement control order, an online questionnaire was utilized, and an explanation video is also provided. The questionnaire is structured into 4 sections namely, demographic, knowledge of doping, attitudes towards doping (PEAS) and practice of doping. Respondents are not coerced and their participation in this research is completely voluntary. The online questionnaire was completed by 254 respondents in total, comprising 226 athletes and 28 coaches. Student athletes have a limited understanding of doping to the tune of 83%. It was found out that the mean attitude towards doping among athletes is negative, with a value of 2.31. 4.4% of them acknowledged there are individuals who illicit prohibited substances in the sports they participate in, while 1.8% of them were offered anti-doping agents. Meanwhile 2.2% reported they personally know the individuals who used illegal substances in sports. Young athletes and coaches should be equipped with the level of knowledge of doping and its dangers. Therefore, special education for athletes and special courses for coaches should be implemented in order to bridge the knowledge gap in this study and considerably improve their attitude towards the importance of doping.