Abstract
Purpose: Adolescent knowledge of pain-relieving medications (PRM) and opioids is scant, particularly from a Canadian perspective. Research indicates that athletes will often resort to PRM and opioids to manage their pain, but it is unknown whether athletes are fully informed as to its use and misuse including adverse events that may occur. The purpose of this study is to understand what elite level male athletes know about use, contraindications, and recommendations of pain-relieving medications; particularly opioids to manage their pain. Methods: Using a qualitative, grounded theory approach, we interviewed male athletes to understand their level of knowledge regarding pain-relieving medications, particularly opioids. Athletes were approached through their coaches/teams and after receiving consent (assent from those under the age of 18) were informed of their rights as a participate. Ethical approval was received from Sheridan College’s REB. Results: Eight male athletes (aged 15-23 years, SD=3.01) who were involved in elite level basketball and lacrosse were interviewed. From the data, 4 themes emerged: 1) Athletes lacked formal education on pain-relieving medication including opioids ; 2) Athletes were influenced by coaches, peers, culture and health care providers on whether to use pain-relieving medications; 3) Athletes trusted guardians, Athletic Therapists affiliated with teams, and coaches to provide advice regarding use of pain-relieving medications; 4) Athletes understood that pain was a “part of the game”. Conclusions: Athletes lacked understanding of the use of pain-relieving medications including opioids and indicated that under certain circumstances, their use would be appropriate. As a result, athletes may engage in misuse of pain-relieving medications without fully understanding their appropriate use or consequences. Their sources of information on PRM and opioids range from coaches, peers, internet, culture, parents/guardians, and Athletic Therapists. The information found in this study is important for health care providers to provide opportunities to educate athletes on the use of pain-relieving medications. Athlete’s misuse of pain-relieving medication without the health care providers knowledge can have implications such as faulty assessment, diagnosis, and management of injuries, potentially creating opportunities for further harm.
Acknowledgements
Funding for this project made available through the SRCA growth Grants
Recommended Citation
Vandertuin J, Abdulla D, Lowther S. Canadian Adolescent and Young Athletes Knowledge of Pain-relieving medications. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Apr 15;23(2), Article 15.
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Health and Physical Education Commons, Other Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons, Pharmaceutical Preparations Commons
