Anti-Doping Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in African Sport: A Scoping Review of Evidence Gaps, Athlete Support Systems and Clean-Sport Policy Priorities

Abstract

Anti-doping education is a cornerstone of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)’s prevention strategy, particularly in regions with limited testing capacity. Africa has experienced increasing international scrutiny due to compliance challenges, limited National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) capacity, and inconsistent education delivery. Several primary studies from countries in Africa have assessed anti-doping knowledge, attitudes, and practices among African athletes and ASP; however: there is fragmented evidence across countries and sports; the measurement tools vary widely; and no comprehensive Africa-focused systematic review synthesizing KAP outcomes currently exists. This review will ultimately provide evidence-based insights to guide WADA, NADOs, ministries of sport, and educational institutions in designing context-sensitive, values-based anti-doping education across Africa.