Browsing by Author "Rintaugu, Elijah Gitonga"

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    Doping Knowledge and Educational Needs of Tanzanian Competitive Runners: Implications for Stakeholders
    (Journal of Sports and Physical Education Studies, 2025-05) Shao, Avelina Baltazary; Rintaugu, Elijah Gitonga; Thangu, Edna
    The primary strategy to counter doping among athletes and their entourages is to enhance their knowledge and education, as outlined in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code. However, limited research exists on doping in Tanzania, making this study a novel effort to explore athletes' knowledge and educational needs. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and educational needs regarding doping among competitive running athletes in Tanzania. It was hypothesized that knowledge of doping would vary based on the athletes’ age, gender and experience. The study employed cross- sectional analytical design. A census sampling technique was used to select 117 competitive running athletes (73 males, 62.4% and 44 females, 37.6%) from twelve running camps in Arusha and Dar es Salaam regions of Tanzania. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. Results revealed that the athletes in Tanzania self-reported an average doping knowledge score of (35.9±10.46), with the threshold for average doping knowledge set at 32.5. Athletes in the middle age category (26-35 years) exhibited the highest doping knowledge (42.81±13.07), while those in the older age group (36-45 years) had the lowest doping knowledge (29.33± 3.79). Males demonstrated greater doping knowledge (39.38 ± 11.49) compared to females (35.18 ± 8.76). Athletes with over 8 years of running experience showed higher knowledge of doping (38.00 ± 12.43) than those with few years of experience (0.5-3 years), who displayed lower knowledge (34.13 ± 9.33). The findings indicated that athletes’ doping knowledge was not influenced by age, gender or experience. Educational needs identified among athletes included; knowledge on prohibited substances and methods (41.9%), doping agents’ adverse effects (29.1%), testing procedures (15.4%), and the risks of doping associated with nutritional supplements (12%). Running athletes in Tanzania exhibit insufficient doping knowledge, which increases the risk of inadvertent doping violations and jeopardizes both their careers and their well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to develop and enhance doping education programmes in Tanzania.
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    Mental Toughness and Performance (Ranking Points) on the Basis of Gender among Hockey Players in Kenya’s Premier League
    (IPRJB, 2026-02) Andanje, Nancy Yvonne; Rintaugu, Elijah Gitonga; Ndambiri, Richard
    Purpose: Mental toughness is a critical psychological attribute associated with sustained athletic performance under competitive pressure. While previous studies suggest that male athletes often report higher mental toughness levels than females, limited evidence exists regarding whether gender moderates the mental toughness–performance relationship in African elite team sports. This study examined the relationship between mental toughness and performance (ranking points) on the basis of gender among hockey players competing in the Kenya Premier League. Methodology: Using a cross-sectional analytical design, data were collected from 288 elite players (144 males and 144 females) drawn from 12 Premier League teams. Mental toughness was assessed using the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ48), measuring confidence, commitment, control, and challenge, while performance was operationalized through official league ranking points. Nonparametric analyses and moderated regression techniques were employed. Findings: Results revealed that although male players recorded marginally higher mean scores across mental toughness components, gender did not significantly moderate the relationship between mental toughness and performance. Mental toughness remained a significant predictor of performance for both male and female players. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: These findings suggest that mental toughness contributes to elite hockey performance irrespective of gender, underscoring the need for inclusive psychological skills training in player development programs.
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    Mental Toughness and Team Performance (Ranking Points) among Hockey Players in Kenya’s Premier League
    (IPRJB, 2026-02) Andanje, Nancy Yvonne; Rintaugu, Elijah Gitonga; Ndambiri, Richard
    Purpose:Mental toughness is a critical psychological construct associated with elite athletic performance. This study examined the relationship between mental toughness and team performance among hockey players competing in the Kenya Premier League. Methodology:A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, involving 288 male and female hockey players drawn from 12 premier league teams. Mental toughness was assessed using an adapted version of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire-48 (MTQ48), measuring the four core components of confidence, commitment, control, and challenge. Team performance data were obtained from official Kenya Hockey Union match records and operationalized using ranking points accumulated across the season. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, normality tests, Spearman’s rho correlation, and regression analysis. Findings:The findings revealed a strong and statistically significant positive relationship between overall mental toughness and team performance. All four components of mental toughness independently demonstrated significant positive associations with ranking points. The results underscore the importance of psychological resilience and mental skills in competitive hockey performance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy:The study concludes that mental toughness is a vital predictor of success in elite hockey and recommends the systematic integration of mental toughness training into coaching and athlete development programs within the Kenya Premier League.