Anabolic androgenic steroid use in recreational gym users: a regional sample of the Mid-Glamorgan area

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the extent of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use in a sample of recrational gym users in the Mid-Glamorgan area in South Wales, UK. Further aims were to investigate: ” the types of substances being used ” consequences of use. Introduction : Previous literature pertaining to AAS use tends to use samples of athletes and competitive sports people. A minority of studies have used recreational gym users. Method : A previously validated questionnaire (Korkia and Stimson 1993) was administered to recreational gym users in the Mid-Glamorgan area. The three gymnasia included in this survey were reported to be popular with bodybuilding and AAS-using clientele. Results : From the distribution of 170 questionnaires, the response rate was 63%. AAS users were from all areas of society and reported various physiological and psychological side effects from AAS use. The most worrying discovery was the extent of AAS users reporting syringe sharing (20%).