Determining the level of knowledge about rational drug use of HİGH level athletes

Objective: Although high-level athletes are recognized as healthy individuals by the society, they frequently use drugs and ergogenic substances. As a result of the irrational use of these substances, undesirable situations such as health problems and doping violations occur. The aim of our study is to determine the rational drug use knowledge of athletes. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out with a cross-sectional method on 439 high-level athletes between the ages of 14-20, active in various sports branches in Adana province and surrounding provinces. The data was obtained using the survey method. Results: It was observed that 67% of the athletes were male and 33% were female and the average age was found to be 16.1. When the educational status of the athletes was examined, it was found that 61% of them were at high school, 24.6% secondary school and 14.4% university level. The average age for starting sports is 9.6, the average year of doing sports is 6.4, and training on average 5.2 days a week and 14.1 hours a week. 74.5% of the athletes stated that they do not have knowledge about the concept of rational drug use. The most common method used by athletes when they are ill is to consult a physician with 87.3%, but it has been observed that health advice is often obtained from trainers and health personnel. It has been observed that self-medication with herbal remedies or home remedies is also common. 81.5% of the athletes declared that the drug should always be used in the dose deemed appropriate by the physician, and 83.4% always in the recommended dose range. 47.8% of the athletes argue that painkillers and 68.8% antibiotics should not be used without a doctor's recommendation. 23% of the participants stated that they always stop the treatment before the recommended time. Conclusion: When the answers given to the questionnaire questions of the athletes participating in the study were examined, it was observed that their level of knowledge on rational drug use was not sufficient. It is thought that the rational use of drugs in athletes should be widespread through educations for the health of athletes. Keywords: Rational drug use, High level athlete, Nutrition supplement, Doping, Questionnaire