Competence in Sports Pharmacy among Pharmacy Students in Norway
Dabrowska, Natalia; Malmberg, Lone; Hadis, Nejati; Bach Volle, Cecilie; Røssing Witzø, Maren; Yaman, Hatice; Gazerani, Parisa
Peer reviewed, Journal article
Published version
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https://hdl.handle.net/11250/3109856Utgivelsesdato
2024Metadata
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Originalversjon
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy12010003Sammendrag
Pharmacists are competent to promote the proper use of medicines. According to the
International Pharmaceutical Federation, pharmacists must develop competence in sports pharmacy
and the contents of the World Anti-Doping Agency code. This explorative study aimed to identify
the status of sports pharmacy in pharmacy education in Norway and competence in sports pharmacy
among Norwegian pharmacy students. The study curricula of pharmacy education were examined
for the content of sports pharmacy. An online questionnaire was also developed and distributed
among pharmacy students. The anonymous survey collected demographic information and data on
competence in sports pharmacy. Data from 122 participants were analyzed. Only 22.5% of pharmacy
students had acquired a form of training in sports pharmacy and 91.7% wished to gain higher
competence. In total, 40.2% of respondents were uncomfortable in advising athletes and trainers on
medication use in sports. Study year was found to correlate with competence level with a significant
difference between the 3rd year (bachelor) and 5th year (master) students. Age, institution, and
number of years engaged in sports were not associated with competence level. The inclusion of
sports pharmacy in pharmacy programs holds practical relevance for enhancing competency levels.
This implementation can be realized through the integration of sports pharmacy modules and/or the
incorporation of research-based activities.