Usage of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicine by Egyptian male international footballers: what are the patterns and the perceptions towards sports pharmacy and medication use?

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Abstract
Background: The use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory (AAI) medications is prevalent among athletes, particularly in contact sports like football. Understanding the perceptions and practices of AAI medication use is crucial for protecting athlete health and enhancing performance. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and patterns of AAI medication use and the perception towards sports pharmacy and medication use from players in the Egyptian men’s national football team. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted across training camps in 2024 for the Egyptian men’s national football team. Results: Results from the survey indicated a high usage of AAI medication among the participants, with 64% of footballers reporting usage. The survey revealed a lack of awareness among footballers regarding the potential adverse side effects of these medications (including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and that footballers felt sports pharmacists have a crucial role in managing and educating athletes. Notably, 76% of footballers (n=19) expressed a desire to have a sports pharmacist as part of their medical team. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the widespread use of AAI medication among these elite international footballers, accompanied by a perceived need for pharmacists to be integrated into the medical team at the international level. It is hoped that such integration will ensure that footballers receive the necessary guidance and support to use AAI medications responsibly.

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