Knowledge and Attitudes of Amateur Sports Participants Regarding the Cardiac Risks Associated With the Use of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids

Abstract

Background The effect of anabolic androgenic steroids on the cardiovascular system has been well researched. However the knowledge of these effects amongst amateur sports participants has not been accurately identified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness and attitudes of the cardiac risks associated with anabolic steroid use. Design: A qualitative, cross-sectional, observational study using an anonymous online questionnaire was filled out by amateur sports participants enrolled in competitive sports teams at an Irish university. Methods: The survey contained questions to assess the participant’s knowledge of cardiac effects of the use of anabolic steroids. These include its effects on blood pressure, cholesterol and potential for development of arrhythmias. The participant’s attitudes, prevalence and access to the use of anabolic steroids were also investigated. Results: A total of 267 individuals were invited to fill out the online questions. 54 responses were returned for analysis, giving a response rate of 20%. One-third of respondents personally knew someone that uses anabolic steroids, however 59% of participants were never advised about their health effects. The majority obtained their nutritional advice from Internet sites or friends. 59% and 26%, respectively, knew about the blood pressure and cholesterol effects of anabolic steroid use. 17% of individuals had used or had ever considered using anabolic steroids. Only 11% were given information about performance enhancing drugs when they joined their university sports club. Conclusions: The knowledge of the cardiac risks associated with the use of anabolic steroids amongst amateur sports participants was generally poor. Efforts must be made to educate coaches and gym facilities about the harmful effects of certain performance enhancing drugs.