Binaural Beats as Digital Drugs: Assessing Awareness and Usage Patterns in Nigerian Sports Communities

Authors

Victor Ben Olowoleni Prince Abubakar Audu University, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5915-9866
Olufemi Adegbola Adegbesan University of Ibadan, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5617-3136
Kolade Babatunde Ayodele Prince Abubakar Audu University, Nigeria
Ayobami Alade Okundare Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2945-0414
Ayobami Joseph Okanlawon University of Ibadan, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6744-3746
Deborah Oshadare Prince Abubakar Audu University, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26740/jses.v9n1.p1-13

Keywords:

Digital drugs, Binaural beats, Nigerian athletes, Awareness, Addiction behaviour, Sports personnel

Abstract

Purpose: The emergence of digital drugs (binaural beats) presents a novel and under-researched challenge within sports, particularly in contexts like Nigeria where psychological support structures are often underdeveloped. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness, sources of information, and usage patterns of digital drugs among Nigerian sports personnel (athletes, coaches, medical staff) and to examine the relationship between awareness and indicators of addiction-like behaviour.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, with data collected from 297 personnel via a validated questionnaire (α=.89). Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square tests. Result: Findings revealed a critical knowledge deficit: only 28.6% of respondents were familiar with the term "binaural beats," and 12.8% reported usage. Crucially, no significant relationship was found between awareness levels and addictive behaviour (r = -0.028, p = 0.627). Dependence on informal information sources (e.g., social media, peers) was high and consistent across all professional categories (p > 0.05), indicating a systemic issue.
Conclusion: The study identifies a widespread and systemic vulnerability to digital psychoactive aids within the Nigerian sports ecosystem.

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Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

Olowoleni, V. B., Adegbesan, O. A., Ayodele, K. B., Okundare, A. A., Okanlawon, A. J., & Oshadare, D. (2026). Binaural Beats as Digital Drugs: Assessing Awareness and Usage Patterns in Nigerian Sports Communities. JSES : Journal of Sport and Exercise Science, 9(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.26740/jses.v9n1.p1-13