R.F ANI

The study delves into the perception, practices, and effects of drug abuse among undergraduate athletes at the Institute of Health Technology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. It highlights the significant issue of drug abuse in sports, especially among undergraduate athletes, exploring its various dimensions including its causes, prevalence, and impacts on athletes’ careers. The research aims to assess athletes' attitudes towards the repercussions of drug abuse, identify prevalent practices, understand the influencing factors, and propose measures for prevention and control. Employing a descriptive research design, the study utilized structured questionnaires for data collection from a calculated sample size of 51 athletes, based on Taro Yamane’s formula. The data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics, incorporating the Student T-test. Results indicated a general awareness among athletes of the detrimental effects of drug abuse on their careers. It also revealed the existence of drug abuse practices, driven by societal pressures, peer influences, and media portrayal of ideal body standards. However, current efforts to address and combat drug abuse proved insufficient. In
conclusion, the study underscores that drug abuse is a pervasive issue among undergraduate athletes, influenced by various factors. Recommendations for tackling this issue include enhancing educational programs, providing counseling services, ensuring professional guidance, initiating awareness campaigns, and enforcing stricter control on drug sales. the study suggests further exploration in areas like longitudinal effects, comparative studies, psychological aspects, and the influence of social media on drug abuse perceptions and behaviors among athletes.