Prevalence of Using Performance-enhancing Substances among Gym Users in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Performance-enhancing substances (PESs) have unfortunately become ubiquitous in numerous sports; some of these substances pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of athletes. This study aimed to: assess the prevalence and determinants of PESs use among gym attenders in Makkah, Saudi Arabia Research design: a cross-sectional study. Subjects: a number of 122 adult gymnasts in Makkah city. Tool: The data was collected through an on line self-administered questionnaire. Results: This study revealed that 40% of participants using PESs, 63.8 % of them knew the chemical composition of PESs, majority of them having PESs from online shopping and fitness stores. Participants using PESs for improving appearance, sexuality and power. The duration of usage was less than six months and stop for causes other than price or side effects. The most common used PESs were creatine, alagenin and beta alanine. There were a statistical significance difference between the type of PESs used and age, gender and education while there was no statistical significance difference between the type of PESs used and marital status. Conclusion: less than half of participants using PESs for less than six months, significant differences were found between PESs and gender, age and education. Recommendations: counseling and education for gym users about the adverse effects of PESs, strict regulations should be done for screening and manipulating these substances.