Evaluating the effectiveness of management-based anti-doping education for young elite Ethiopian athletes

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel management-oriented anti-doping intervention to enhance knowledge, attitudes, and ethical decision-making among young elite athletes. A randomized controlled trial involved 321 athletes (Intervention: n=161, 50% female, mean age = 17.2 years, SD = 1.5; Control: n=160, 48% female, Mean age = 17.1 years, SD = 1.4). The intervention, which emphasized stakeholder engagement, resource optimization, and athlete empowerment through interactive learning and peer mentorship, significantly improved all measured outcomes. Specifically, knowledge increased by 45% (p<.001, Eta²=.05), attitudes towards doping enhanced by 30% (p<.001, Eta²=.04), and ethical decision-making skills improved by 35% (p<.001, Eta²=.06). These findings underscore the significance of adopting a management-focused approach in anti-doping education, suggesting that such strategies not only help to establish a clean sports environment but also empower athletes to take ownership of their ethical responsibilities. The implications of this research extend to the broader context of anti-doping education, highlighting the need for innovative and comprehensive strategies that actively involve athletes and stakeholders in the fight against doping in sports.