The Association between Psycho-Socio-Demographic Factors and Substance Abuse in Iranian Male Bodybuilders

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the association between psycho-socio-demographic factors and substance abuse in Iranian male bodybuilders. Material and methods: 906 male bodybuilders from 103 randomly selected gymnasia in Tehran participated in this research. By interviews via questionnaires, the following data over age, employment, average monthly family income, family size, gymnasium area (m2), number of trainers, number of gymnasium members, initiation time (months), weekly duration of sporting activity (hours), monthly cost of sporting activity, purpose of participating in sporting activity, mental health as well as body image (via General Health Questionnaire and Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, respectively), and history of substance abuse were collected. Results: All samples were male bodybuilders within the age range of 14 to 56 years (25/7+/-7/1). Substance abuse was reported in 140 (15/5%) of the subjects. Amphetamine was reported as the most commonly-used illicit drug (13/2%). Monthly family income, number of family members, enhancement of self-esteem, maintaining fitness, and satisfaction over body parts were associated with substance abuse. Conclusion: Some psycho-socio-demographic factors including family income, family size, enhancement of self-esteem, maintaining fitness, and satisfaction over body parts were associated with substance abuse among male bodybuilders.