THE IMPACT OF ATHLETES’ ATTITUDE, KNOWLEDGE, AND AWARENESS OF THEIR BELIEF ABOUT AUTOCHTHONOUS BOTANICAL SUPPLEMENTS IN OYO STATE: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING APPROACH

Autors/ores

  • Olawumi Adisa Lecturer I, Department of Human Kinetics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
  • John Oluwasogo Ayorinde Reader, Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Olufemi Adegbola Adegbesan Professor, Department of Human Kinetics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Yinka James Oyeniyi Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
  • Sunday Peter Ogundeji Senior Lecturer, Department of Haematology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Oluwakemi Adeola Olowofolahan Senior Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Olaitan Johnson Balogun Lecturer II, Department of Health Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Olunike Adedoyin Bello Department of Biology, Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, Nigeria
  • Peggy-joe Nwanefuru Olaseinde Deputy Director, Department of Physiotherapy, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v13i2.6528

Paraules clau:

botanicals, supplements usage, doping, attitude and knowledge, awareness and belief

Resum

Autochthonous botanical supplements (ABS) refer to locally sourced plant-based products traditionally used for their medicinal, nutritional, or therapeutic properties. While the use of supplements is not inherently banned in sports, emerging evidence reveals cases of professional athletes being entangled in controversial and contestable doping allegations linked to ABS usage. This study was therefore designed to determine the impact of athletes’ attitudes, knowledge, and awareness on their beliefs about ABS in Oyo State, Nigeria. Equally, the study determined the pattern of usage of ABS among athletes. Using structural equation modeling for our data analysis, our findings indicate that the total effect of athletes' attitudes toward ABS on their beliefs was the most significant, effectively doubling the direct impact of knowledge regarding these supplements. This observation also holds for the direct effects of both attitude and knowledge, while awareness exhibited a very weak positive effect. Additionally, the mediating effect of awareness rendered the indirect effects of attitude and knowledge equivalent in magnitude, both moving in a positive direction. The study concluded that athletes' awareness of ABS closes the gap that exists in the effect of knowledge and attitude on their beliefs about autochthonous botanical supplements.

 

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Biografies de l'autor/a

  • Olawumi Adisa, Lecturer I, Department of Human Kinetics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Dr. Adisa Olawumi is a scholar and researcher in the Department of Human Kinetics, University of Ibadan, with a research focus on sport migration, finance, events management, and safety and security. Her academic contributions span over two decades, including studies on premarital genetic screening, intramural sports budgeting, inhibitors to recreational participation, and the underdevelopment of sport in Nigeria. She has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters addressing the role of sport in community development, the economic impact of hosting sports events, doping prevention among athletes, and fan engagement through mobile marketing. Her research reflects a multidimensional approach to sports development and administration, with a strong emphasis on policy, health, and socio-economic dimensions in Nigeria and beyond. Dr. Olawumi continues strongly emphasizings to strongly emphasise mentoring students and collaborating on interdisciplinary projects that advance knowledge in sport science, education, and management.

    Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=QpGgZTsAAAAJ&hl=en

    Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/lab/Olawumi-Adisa-Lab

  • John Oluwasogo Ayorinde, Reader, Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Dr. John Oluwasogo Ayorinde is a seasoned pharmaceutical scientist and academic at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, with a B. Pharm., M.Sc., and PhD in Pharmaceutics. With a growing body of scholarly work—28 publications, over 14,000 reads, and nearly 300 citations—he is widely recognized for his expertise in pharmaceutical formulations, solid dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and natural excipients. His research focuses on optimizing the material and release properties of oral drugs using novel plant-based polymers such as Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Cedrela odorata. Dr. Ayorinde’s work also extends into public health and anti-doping science, contributing to studies on doping self-regulatory efficacy among Nigerian elite and Paralympic athletes. His multidisciplinary research bridges pharmaceutical innovation with health promotion, and he continues to collaborate extensively across academia and clinical science to improve drug formulation and delivery outcomes.

    Google Scholar: http://pharm.ui.edu.ng/OJAyorinde

    ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/John-Ayorinde-2

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1141-7795

  • Olufemi Adegbola Adegbesan, Professor, Department of Human Kinetics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Olufemi A. Adegbesan is a renowned Professor of Sport Psychology at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, with over 700 citations to his credit. His research focuses on mental toughness, behavior modification, and the psychological foundations of elite athletic performance, particularly among Nigerian male and female soccer players. He has published influential studies on sport confidence, athlete burnout, team cohesion, imagery use, and choking under pressure. His collaborative work on sport talent identification and development in Nigeria has added significant value to the field of coaching science. As a member of editorial advisory boards and a mentor to emerging scholars, Professor Adegbesan continues to shape the landscape of sport psychology in Africa.

  • Yinka James Oyeniyi, Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

    Oyeniyi Yinka James is a passionate scholar and graduate of Human Kinetics from the University of Ibadan. With a strong foundation in sports science and physical education, he has demonstrated keen academic potential and commitment to research and professional development. Under the supervision of Dr. Adisa Olawumi, he engaged in rigorous academic work that reflects his interest in sports performance, health promotion, and athlete development. His research orientation and drive for excellence position him as a promising contributor to the field of human kinetics.

    Google Scholar: https://share.google/iInKdF1fdVKbv92yG

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6657-9188

  • Sunday Peter Ogundeji, Senior Lecturer, Department of Haematology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Sunday Peter Ogundeji is a Lecturer in Haematology at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where he has served since September 2020. His research interests lie at the intersection of haematological disorders and metabolic diseases, with a particular focus on sickle cell anaemia. He has co-authored peer-reviewed journal articles, including "Audit of Clinical and Laboratory Parameters of Hemoglobin SS Patients in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital" published in Annals of Medicine, and "Rare Occurrence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia", in the Journal of Medical Science. His work explores complex interactions between genetic blood disorders, inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic regulation. Dr. Ogundeji continues to contribute to advancing haematology research and clinical practice in Nigeria through academic scholarship and collaborative investigation.

    Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?=en&user=EP1blnAAAAAJ

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2368-9237

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5617-3136

    ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Olufemi-Adegbesan

    Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=z_S-sPUAAAAJ&hl=en

  • Oluwakemi Adeola Olowofolahan, Senior Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Dr. Adeola Oluwakemi Olowofolahan is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where she has served since 2012. A prolific researcher with expertise in mitochondrial biology, toxicology, and phytomedicine, her work focuses on mitochondrial-mediated cell death, the modulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore, and the therapeutic potential of medicinal plant extracts in treating reproductive and metabolic disorders. Her numerous peer-reviewed publications explore the biochemical mechanisms underlying conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome, and uterine proliferative disorders—often using plant-based compounds like Funtumia elastica, Drymaria cordata, and Annona muricata. Dr. Olowofolahan’s research integrates traditional medicinal knowledge with modern biochemical analysis, contributing significantly to drug discovery and reproductive health.

    Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?=en&user=EP1blnAAAAAJ

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6987-9082

  • Olaitan Johnson Balogun, Lecturer II, Department of Health Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Olaitan Johnson Balogun is a dedicated health researcher and scholar whose work focuses on public health challenges affecting vulnerable populations, particularly children and youth in Nigeria. With over 2,300 reads and 12 publications on platforms like ResearchGate and ORCID, his research spans critical areas such as unintentional childhood injuries, doping behaviour among elite athletes, and adolescent sexual health. His recent publications in the African Journal of Disability highlight the impact of maternal knowledge on preventing childhood injuries in Oyo State. He also co-authored a major study on doping self-regulatory efficacy among elite Nigerian athletes, exploring psychosocial factors influencing banned substance use. Balogun’s interdisciplinary approach combines public health, sports science, and behavioural studies, contributing valuable insights to health education, injury prevention, and youth wellbeing in Africa.

    Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=QpGgZTsAAAAJ&hl=en

    ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Olaitan-Balogun

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9358-4305

  • Olunike Adedoyin Bello, Department of Biology, Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, Nigeria

    Dr. Bello Olunike Adedoyin is a researcher and academic with a deep-rooted interest in plant science, ethnobotany, and sustainable agricultural development. Her scholarly work explores the growth dynamics, nutritional potential, and socio-economic value of underutilized and indigenous plant species in Nigeria. She has conducted extensive studies on the influence of hormones and imbibition on the growth and yield of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), the proximate composition of Tetracarpidium conophorum (African walnut), and the toxicological effects of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) on laboratory animals. Through her ethnobotanical surveys, including studies on mangrove and wetland plants, she highlights the importance of local herbs and spices in promoting sustainable livelihoods. Dr. Bello’s work contributes to both scientific understanding and policy-relevant discussions on food security, health, and environmental sustainability.

    Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=Bello+Olunike+Adedoyin+&btnG=

    ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5465-1691

    SciProfiles: https://sciprofiles.com/profile/548067

    ResearcherID: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/HKO-1470-2023

  • Peggy-joe Nwanefuru Olaseinde, Deputy Director, Department of Physiotherapy, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Dr. Olaseinde Peggy-Joe Nwanefuru is a licensed physiotherapist and PhD candidate at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and clinical impact, she is an ardent researcher whose work bridges physiotherapy practice and evidence-based inquiry. Her research interests span rehabilitation sciences, movement analysis, and functional recovery, with a focus on improving patient outcomes through innovative and practical interventions. She is dedicated to advancing physiotherapy education and practice in Nigeria and beyond.

    Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bzkxvDbfk8YC&hl=en

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5347-1742

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Publicat

2026-02-11

Número

Vol. 13 Núm. 2 (2026)

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