The “Dopogenic Environment” and Anti-Doping Communication in Africa: A Qualitative Study

There is a paucity of literature on anti-doping communication in Africa despite evidence that the African continent faces peculiar challenges in establishing anti-doping structures, lack of funding and lack of knowledge and information on anti-doping. The present study explored anti-doping communication and the broader context of anti-doping in Africa. The paper relied on the “dopogenic environment” concept and the socio-ecological model. A qualitative study design encompassing in-depth interviews, a field trip, and analysis of World Anti-Doping Agency documents were used. Participants were eighteen (N = 18, female: n=4) officials from African national anti-doping agencies, sports administrators, and African athletes. Data were analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis. Findings show anti-doping communication is affected by four main factors in Africa: lack of interest from policy makers, institutional mistrust, anti-doping communication limited to events and interpersonal communication and limited use of technology communication. Anti-doping communication in Africa should embrace a multifaceted and comprehensive strategy that fosters cohesive and integrative communication among all stakeholders ranging from policymakers and institutions to social groups and individual athletes.