Prevalence and awareness of anabolic androgenic steroid use among male body builders in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Ahmed Bahri,Mohamed Salih Mahfouz,Moneer Ogiby Khwaji,Hatem Saeed Alessa,Syed Mahmood Zafar,Nasser Mohammed Marran,Yahya Hadi Dighriri

doi:10.4314/tjpr.v16i6.29

Ahmed Bahri, Mohamed Salih Mahfouz + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v16i6.29

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Abstract

Purpose: To examine the prevalence and awareness of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use among male bodybuilders visiting gyms in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 male bodybuilders visiting gyms in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Information on demographics, as well as the use of AAS, was included in a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of AAS in Jazan was 31.0 % (95 % CI, 26.9 - 49.6), and it was higher among those in the 30 - 34 years 45.3 % (95 % CI, 36.9 - 54.0). Its prevalence was also significantly higher among athletes who received higher education 37.4% (95 % CI, 31.8 - 43.4). The most common types of AAS used are Deca-Durabolin (57.6 %) and testosterone (52 %). Thirty percent of the participants who used AAS suffered from depression and aggressive behavior while 18 % of them were hypertensive. The participants were not well aware of the adverse effects of anabolic steroids use. Conclusion: The prevalence of the anabolic steroids is high among bodybuilding males visiting gyms in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Health educational programs are required to increase the awareness about the side effects of anabolic steroids among bodybuilders. Keywords: Anabolic steroids, Bodybuilders, Deca-durabolin, Testosterone

Highlights

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a type of synthetic steroid hormones related to the hormone testosterone [1,2]
A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed among male bodybuilders visiting gyms
This study shows the prevalence of AAS use among male bodybuilders visiting gyms in the Jazan region

Summary

Introduction

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a type of synthetic steroid hormones related to the hormone testosterone [1,2]. These drugs are available by prescription and used to treat cases caused by an abnormal low production of testosterone, such as delayed puberty and impotence [1]. Serious side effects are noted among users of anabolic steroids. These include increase aggressiveness, euphoria, diminished fatigue, increased libido, and mood swings [3]. The side effects comprise high blood pressure, liver tumors and cancers, fluid retention, and jaundice [1]. AAS can even cause shrinking of testicles, development of breasts and prostate cancers, baldness, reduced sperm count, and infertility [4,5,6]

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