Prevalence Of Anabolic-androgenic Steroid Use Research Articles

Interdisciplinary care for users of anabolic agents in recreational sports in Switzerland – a first clinic has opened in Zurich

The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) as well as other image- and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) has become one of the most recent global major substance use disorders in the 21st century. These substances are not only used by professional bodybuilders and competitive athletes, but moreover by recreational gym users aiming to achieve personal image and sports-performance goals [1]. The global lifetime prevalence of AAS use is estimated to be as high as 1-5% in the general population and up to 30% among recreational gym users. In Switzerland, it is estimated that there are over 200 000 users that use these substances mostly outside of competitive sports [2].

Androgenic-anabolic steroids use among women: prevalence of use and intention to use among those with high-intensity functional training practice

ABSTRACT Background Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use among women has raising over years, especially due to aesthetic motivation, but performance improvement is another motivation. Since high-intensity functional training (HIFT) exhibits an intrinsic competitive aspect, we investigated the AAS use among women HIFT practitioners. Methods Using the “virtual snowball,” 291 Brazilian women HIFT practitioners answered an online survey. Results The prevalence of AAS use was 22%, but the use after the HIFT adherence was 15%. Among those who never used, 12.3% reported intention to use. Age, marital status, and time of training were significantly associated with AAS use. Aesthetics was the main motivation for use, and 59.7% reported using it on medical advice. The main motivation was aesthetics, but it seems to have a trend to change the motivation for performance improvement over aesthetics, especially among women with longer training time. Conclusion The prevalence of AAS use was high; however, it seems that HIFT adherence is not a factor raising the prevalence of AAS use among physically active women. Additionally, the motivation for AAS use among women HIFT practitioners seems to be trending toward change, increasing the motivation for performance improvement over aesthetic motivation, especially among women with longer HIFT adherence time.

Knowledge and perception towards anabolic steroid use by gym users in Jordan: a cross-sectional study.

The dispensing of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in Jordan is still unregulated, and AAS are available without a prescription. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of AAS abuse among gym users and their knowledge, perception, and practices towards using these AAS. This cross-sectional study was conducted online in November-December 2022. Participants were recruited if they were adults attending any gym facility in Jordan. A total of 365 adult participants agreed to participate in this study. Concerning participants' knowledge about AAS side effects, the median knowledge score of the participants was 7.0 scores (Interquartile range=7.0) out of 15. Indeed, 14.2% of the participants (n=52) reported using AAS during their gym participation. Participants reported that the most common source for obtaining AAS was the gym trainers (n=38, 70.4%), and the most common reason for using AAS was to increase lean body weight (n=52, 96.3%). Also, among the AAS users, two-thirds reported having never experienced side effects after using AAS. Finally, regression analysis revealed that males had 3.35 times higher usage of AAS than females (OR=3.351, p-value=0.008). The findings of this study show a comparatively high prevalence of AAS use among gymgoers. Therefore, it is critical to have policies prohibiting their usage without a prescription. There should be more awareness about the negative effects of AAS in criminal activities, and it should be included in public awareness programs.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ANABOLIC STEROID USE BY EXERCISE ENTHUSIASTS

ABSTRACT Introduction Synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) were developed with the purpose of obtaining drugs capable of increasing protein synthesis associated with a lower degree of virilization. Its use is common among bodybuilders who aim to increase physical strength and muscle mass in the short term. However, AAS cause side effects, which restrict their therapeutic use. Objective To identify factors associated with AAS use by exercise enthusiasts at gyms in São Luís, MA. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at 17 gyms. The sample totaled 723 exercise enthusiasts, who answered a structured questionnaire with multiple choice questions related to their lifestyle and the consumption of nutritional supplements and AAS use. Logistic regression analysis was used to verify the association of socioeconomic, demographic and behavioral factors with AAS use. Results Of the 723 exercise enthusiasts, 10.65% reported having used AAS. Of these, 97.4% declared their awareness of some side effect caused by AAS use. Factors associated with AAS use were: being male, age between 20 and 29 years, consumption of food supplements and participation in exercise for over a year. Conclusion The prevalence of AAS use by exercise enthusiasts at gyms in São Luís is high, and the risk factors identified enable us to target specific populations with preventive actions. Level of Evidence IIC; Cross-sectional study.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Anabolic-androgenic Steroid Use: A Cross-sectional Study among Gym Users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

ObjectivesAnabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) have been used internationally for enhancing physical appearance and performance despite their significant side effects. We sought to identify the prevalence of AAS use and its different risk factors among gym users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was distributed among gym users across 20 gyms in Riyadh. The cluster sampling technique was used to represent the four regions of Riyadh (North, South, East, and West). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with AAS.ResultsOut of 482 participants, 29.3% reported using AAS. The mean age of the study participants was 27.2±6.9 years, 61.0% were single, 67.1% were educated, 35.5% were government employees, and 31.1% were students. The use of AAS was more prevalent among gym members who practiced weightlifting (45.5%), were employed in the private sector (35.8%), and aged > 25 years old (53.3%). Multiple logistic regression showed that the most significant factors associated with the use of AAS among gym members were: weightlifting, using supplementary vitamins or minerals, following special diets, knowing individuals who used AAS, and being offered AAS.ConclusionsOur study provides clear evidence that the lifetime prevalence of AAS use is high among male gym members in Riyadh with modifiable risk factors. The results could help public health policymakers to take the necessary measures to alleviate the potential negative implications of AAS use at the community level.

The CASTRO study: Unsafe sexual behaviors and illicit drug use among gay and bisexual men who use anabolic steroids.

The majority of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) studies have focused on the general male population. Approximately 15% of gay or bisexual men are seropositive for HIV and many AASs are administered via injection. Thus, AAS use among gay and bisexual men likely poses a greater risk of spreading infectious disease. Gay and bisexual men who use AAS were compared with non-users regarding self-reported seropositivity for HIV and hepatitis B and C, sexual behaviors and injection practices, illicit drug and alcohol use, and psychiatric disorders. The CASTRO (Castro Anabolic Steroid Research Observation) study was a 108-item cross-sectional survey of 153 gay and bisexual men who exercise. Data collection occurred outside four gyms in the San Francisco Castro District. The lifetime prevalence of AAS use among gay and bisexual men in the study was 21.6%. AAS users and non-users did not differ in self-reported seropositivity for HIV or hepatitis B and C, but AAS users reported higher rates of male-male condomless anal sex in the past year (84.8 vs 60.8%, p < .01) than non-users. More AAS users used ecstasy and methamphetamines (39.4 vs 16.7%, p < .01 and 18.2 vs 5.0%, p = .01, respectively) than non-users. Gay and bisexual men who used AAS were more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behaviors and use illicit drugs relative to non-users. Multiple factors place AAS users at higher risks for spreading infectious diseases. Our study suggests increased infectious disease risk among gay and bisexual men who use AAS. (Am J Addict 2019;XX:1-10).

Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Abuse and their Health Impacts: A Cross-sectional Study among Body Builders in a City of Eastern India.

Background:Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs), when taken in supraphysiologic doses, increase muscle strength and athletic performance. Evidence suggests that long-term use of AAS in supraphysiologic doses have adverse effects on health. Therefore, the study was conducted to find crude estimate of the prevalence of AAS use among attendees of the gymnasium, the factors that could have influenced them for AAS abuse and to assess the short- and long-term side effects as perceived by them.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected gymnasiums of a smart city of India using a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Snowball sampling method was undertaken. The study was from July 2015 to June 2016. Informed written consent was taken. The analysis was done using SPSS v. 20.0.Results:Of 84 bodybuilders approached, 74 participants used AAS. All users were male with mean age of 26.5 + 0.55 years. The mean age of initiation of AAS abuse was 23 years, and 66.2% (49) were unmarried. Eighty-five percent (63) preferred injectable. Seventy percent (52) abusers were influenced by trainers for abuse. Most commonly abused was Nandrolone decanoate (55.4%). Seventy-three percent were not aware of any legal ban on steroids. Reported benefits include increased strength, muscle size, and power, while harms were increased acne, deepening of voice, swelling of feet, increased irritability, depressive thoughts, impaired judgment, panic disorder, and withdrawal effect.Conclusions:Frequency of ASS use was substantial among young bodybuilders. Awareness about side effects was not a deterrent factor. Abusers were highly influenced by coaches. Efforts should be made for preventing easy access to AAS.

Anabolic steroid users' misuse of non-traditional prescription drugs.

Few anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users disclose their performance enhancing drug (PED) use with their healthcare providers. AAS users practice polypharmacy with prescription medications to counter adverse effects of AAS, to further their muscular gains, or to lose weight. To compare and contrast AAS using and non-AAS using gym clients regarding PED use, in particular prescription drugs. The CASTRO (Castro Anabolic Steroid Research Observation) study was a 108-item cross-sectional survey that took place at four gyms in San Francisco, California between August 2015 and January 2016. 40 AAS users and 179 non-AAS users completed the survey. The prevalence of AAS use in the study cohort was 18.3%. AAS users reported using a greater number of total PEDs (8.7 ± 4.2 vs. 3.7 ± 2.1, p < 0.001) than non-AAS users. AAS users were more likely to misuse the following prescription drugs: antiestrogens (tamoxifen, anastrazole), fertility agents (clomiphene, human chorionic gonadotropin), erectile dysfunction drugs (tadalafil, sildenafil), anabolic drugs (clenbuterol, recombinant human growth hormone), and weight loss drugs (liothyronine). AAS users practice polypharmacy and misuse multiple prescription drugs. These findings allow researchers and clinicians to be more knowledgeable and to anticipate potential misuse of prescription medications that traditionally are not thought to be abused.

Physical appearance concerns are uniquely associated with the severity of steroid dependence and depression in anabolic-androgenic steroid users.

Emerging research suggests that the sub-population of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users who experience physical appearance concerns may suffer greater psychological dysfunction than other sub-populations, including users with athletic or occupational concerns. Thus, among current AAS users, we sought to determine whether, and to what extent, social physique anxiety-an established measure of appearance concern-was associated with psychological dysfunction. Interviews were conducted with a sample of 74 male AAS users living in Australia. Users completed self-report instruments of the severity of AAS dependence, depression, hazardous and risky drinking, use of non-AAS illicit drugs, psychological side-effects due to AAS use and abnormal test results due to AAS use. Multivariate analyses revealed that greater social physique anxiety was uniquely associated with more severe symptoms of both AAS dependence and depression. Moreover, the effect size of these relationships was large. Social physique anxiety was not associated with hazardous or risky drinking, non-AAS illicit drug use, psychological side-effects or abnormal test results. Limitations notwithstanding, the study is consistent with the notion that AAS users who experience appearance concerns are at heightened risk of co-morbid psychological dysfunction. Given trends indicating an increase in the prevalence of AAS use in Australia and elsewhere, the findings suggest that health-care systems may need to consider prioritising the sub-population of AAS users who experience appearance concerns. Further investigation of the clinical syndrome of AAS dependence is required, including its relation to body image and eating disorders.

Anabolic steroid use among gay and bisexual men living in Australia and New Zealand: Associations with demographics, body dissatisfaction, eating disorder psychopathology, and quality of life

Background and aimsGay and bisexual men may be at heightened risk for using anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). Few studies, however, have examined AAS use among gay and bisexual men living in countries outside the United States. In addition, few studies have explored the potential associations of AAS use with body image concerns beyond muscularity, including height and genitals, or with eating disorder symptoms and quality of life. Thus, we examined the associations of AAS use, and of thoughts about using AAS, with body image, eating disorder symptoms, and quality of life among gay and bisexual men living in Australia and New Zealand. MethodsA sample of 2733 gay and bisexual men completed an online survey promoted by paid nationwide advertisements to users of geosocial-networking smartphone applications. ResultsThe prevalence of AAS use, and of thoughts about using AAS, were 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4%, 6.1%) and 25.4% (95% CI: 23.8%, 27.1%), respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that more frequent thoughts about using AAS were associated with being older, taller, and experiencing greater dissatisfaction with muscularity and height, less dissatisfaction with body fat, greater eating disorder symptoms, and lower subjective quality of life. Actual AAS users were more likely to be older, from a non-Australian/New Zealander cultural background, experiencing less dissatisfaction with body fat, and experiencing greater eating disorder symptoms. ConclusionsPsychopathology related to body image and eating disorders are associated with AAS use among gay and bisexual men living in Australia and New Zealand.

Evaluating the Pattern of Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Use and Its Relation with Mental Health of Male Members of Bodybuilding Clubs of Iran, in 2015

Background: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are currently used by many athletes for skeletal muscle development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AAS use among bodybuilder athletes in Iran at 2015. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study 384 bodybuilders filled the study questionnaire evaluating age, education, and age at AAS use as underlying variables; pattern of AAS use as independent variable; and knowledge about AAS side effects and the relation between mental health and AASuse as dependent variables. Data was analyzed by SPSS using frequency tables, mean and standard deviation, chi-2, t-test, analysis of variances and regression. Results: Among 920 participants, 104 (11.3) were current users, and 210 (22.8) had the history of usage. Physical attraction was reason of use in 57.6 and increasing power and ability to enter professional sport were reasons for use in 44 participants each (21.2). The marital status, age and education level did not have significant effects on AAS use. Friends (76.7) and coaches (67.4) had significant correlation with AAS use in participants (P < 0.000). The simultaneous use of alcohol (46.5) and smoking (27.9) among AAS users was significant (P < 0.001). Only 4.7 of participants had proper information about AAS side effects. Conclusions: The participants had little knowledge about AAS side effects, therefore educating adolescents and youth in high schools and universities, and also in sports clubs is necessary. Periodical assessment of coaches and athletes with regard to AAS use, and proper law enforcement in this regard is important. © 2017, Asian Journal of Sports Medicine.

Effectiveness and implementation of a community-based prevention programme targeting anabolic androgenic steroid use in gyms: study protocol of a quasi-experimental control group study.

BackgroundDuring the past decades, concerns about increased anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use among recreational sportspeople have been raised, yet there is a paucity of AAS prevention efforts targeting this group. Accordingly, doping prevention efforts aimed at gyms have been recommended. The overall objective of the present project is to examine a prevention programme named 100% Pure Hard Training (100% PHT), which targets AAS use among recreational sportspeople training in gyms. Specifically, the project aims to: 1) assess the prevalence of AAS, and its associations with alcohol, illicit drugs, and nutritional supplements use; 2) examine whether 100% PHT can decrease AAS use in gyms, and 3) provide insights into which factors facilitate and/or impede implementation of the programme.Methods/designThe intervention group consists of 27 gyms, and 27 gyms serve as controls. Intervention gyms take part in 100% PHT, a community-based programme involving several components: (a) training of key stakeholders (i.e., gym staff, gym owners, local police, and municipal prevention coordinators) regarding AAS use; (b) developing an action plan for AAS prevention for each gym; (c) certification of gyms that follow 100% PHT; (d) cooperative relationship between stakeholders; (e) annual follow-up of gyms. The project consists of two studies: Study A will examine the prevalence of AAS use and the effectiveness of 100% PHT (aims 1 and 2), and data for Study A will be collected using questionnaires distributed to gym attendees at two assessment points: baseline (pre-intervention) and follow-up (post-intervention). Study B will evaluate the implementation of 100% PHT (aim 3), and semi-structured interviews with participating stakeholders will be carried out post-intervention.DiscussionKnowledge gained from the present project can be used to develop community-based doping prevention efforts aimed at recreational sportspeople training in gyms. Furthermore, it can provide insights into which factors are important for successful implementation of AAS prevention programmes that target gyms. Results are also expected to yield information on the prevalence of AAS use as well as associations between the use of AAS and other licit and illicit substances, including nutritional supplements, among recreational sportspeople.Trial registrationThe study was registered retrospectively at isrctn.com (Identifier: ISRCTN11655041; Registration date: 3 November 2016;).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13102-016-0062-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Commentary on Lundholm et al. (2015): What came first, the steroids or the violence?

Commentary on Lundholm et al. (2015): What came first, the steroids or the violence?

Hepatotoxicity Associated With Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Present in Over-the-Counter Supplements: A Case Series

With the aim of improving their physical performance, athletes and non-athletes have been using anabolicandrogenic steroids (AAS). Over the past several decades, there has been an increase in the prevalence of AAS use without adequate supervision or monitoring. We present three cases of AAS-related liver injury with the intention to discuss the use of nutritional as a growing public health concern. Our three patients were able to obtain these food supplements containing AAS from health shops. We have shown with high level of evidence that the AAS were the cause of acute liver injury in these patients. All other causes of liver disease were excluded by laboratory evaluation and liver imaging. They all had a similar clinical picture with rapid development of fatigue, jaundice and pruritus. The first patient was on statin for his hyperlipidemia, but the clinical picture was not compatible with statin induced hepatotoxicity. He was on a stable dose and did not have a rise in liver tests with rechallenge. The third patient did consume alcohol in binges but the biopsy was not consistent with alcohol-induced injury. The liver biopsy in all three patients was suggestive of AAS-induced hepatotoxicity. (1) Finally, all three patients were young and relatively healthy and the liver panel results normalized gradually after cessation of the AAS. The aminotransferases in particular normalized according to their half-life after discontinuation of the insulting agent. Synthetic AAS that are not classified as controlled substances continue to fall outside the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) jurisdiction. They are still available in over-the-counter and are a cause for serious hepatotoxicity in the United States. Stricter control of their use outside the medical necessity should be applied and healthcare providers should be aware of their potential harm. Background and Aims With the aim of improving their physical performance, athletes and non-athletes have been using anabolicandrogenic steroids (AAS). Over the past several decades, there has been an increase in the prevalence of AAS use without adequate supervision or monitoring. This manuscript describes 3 cases of AAS-related liver injury with the intention to discuss the use of nutritional as a growing public health concern.

Prevalence and Correlates of Anabolic–Androgenic Steroid Use in a Nationally Representative Sample of 17-Year-Old Norwegian Adolescents

Background: Anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) use has been identified as a serious public health problem. Objectives: This study investigates the prevalence and correlates of AAS use among Norwegian adolescents. Methods: In 2012, a nationally representative sample of 2,055 17-year-old adolescents (963 males and 1,088 females) participated in a survey. The response rate was 70.4%. In addition to questions about AAS use, participants completed the Parental Monitoring Scale, the Family Relations/Cohesion Scale, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test C, the Mini-International Personality Item Pool-Five-Factor Model, the Eysenck Narrow Impulsiveness Subscale, the Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking, the Short-Form Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. They also answered questions about demography, gambling, smoking, snus, and narcotic use. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The lifetime prevalence of AAS use was 0.30% (0.52% in males and 0.09% in females), while current prevalence was 0.25%. Moreover, 19.39% of the sample reported having an acquaintance who used or had used AAS. Having an acquaintance who used or had used AAS was significantly related to snus use, depression, aggression, extraversion, and conscientiousness in both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Conclusions/Importance: Our findings suggest a high prevalence of AAS use among Norwegian adolescents and denote the significance of social, personality, and health factors in adolescents’ exposure to AAS milieu.

The lifetime prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroid use and dependence in Americans: Current best estimates

Although various surveys have tracked the prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use in American teenagers and young adults, no recent surveys have assessed the lifetime prevalence of AAS use in Americans overall. We therefore analyzed serial youth-survey data to derive estimates of the lifetime prevalence of AAS use in the current American general population. We first determined the distribution of age of onset of AAS use, based on pooled data from nine studies. Using this distribution, we then developed equations to project the eventual lifetime prevalence of AAS use among young survey respondents, once they aged and completed the period of risk for initiating AAS. We similarly calculated the denominator of lifetimes of risk for AAS use in the total American population. We next applied these equations to four independent national youth datasets to derive current American general-population estimates for lifetime AAS use. Finally, using data from 10 pooled studies, we estimated the lifetime prevalence of AAS dependence among AAS users. Age-of-onset studies consistently showed that AAS use begins later than most drugs, with only 22% of users (95% confidence interval: 19-25%) starting before age 20. Applying the age-of-onset findings to national youth datasets, we estimated that among Americans currently age 13-50 years, 2.9-4.0 million have used AAS. Within this group, roughly 1 million may have experienced AAS dependence. Although subject to various limitations, our estimation techniques suggest a surprisinigly high prevalence of AAS use and dependence among Americans.

Attitudes Toward Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids Among Non-competing Athletes in Various Types of Sports – A Cross-sectional Study –

Methods Aims: This study investigated the association between attitudes and intentions to use of anabolic - androgenic - steroids (AAS) between participants in various sports and within sports. Data were derived through a cross - sectional population based survey on 5,010 men and women aged 15 to 60 years. Response - rate was 34%. A combination of postal and web-based questionnaire was used. Data for the present study was restricted to 1,045 males. Results: Prevalence of AAS use was 23 (1.8 %), and 104 (5.3 %) of the respondents had considered AAS - use. On average, respondents that had considered using AAS held more positive attitudes toward AAS - use, compared to respondents without experienced within all types of sports. The biggest difference between considered and non - experienced was observed for Aerobics (1.09 CI, 0.76 - 1.41, R2 = 0.23, p = 0.000). No difference in attitudes to AAS - use between types of sports were observed. Conclusions: Attitudes toward AAS did not vary between types of sports and the level of acceptance was consistently higher among non - competing athletes with intentions to use AAS, regardless of the type of sport. The implication of the observations suggests that preventive actions against AAS use should revolve around individuals suggesting interest in AAS regardless of type of sport.

Prevalência do uso e conhecimento de esteroides anabolizantes androgênicos por estudantes e professores de educação física que atuam em academias de ginástica

INTRODUÇÃO: Os esteroides anabólicos androgênicos (EAA) são substâncias, quimicamente semelhantes à testosterona, utilizadas para o tratamento/controle de diversas doenças. Contudo, tais substâncias estão sendo empregadas de forma não terapêutica e indiscriminada com finalidades de melhora da performance esportiva e principalmente estética. OBJETIVO: analisar a prevalência do uso e o conhecimento de EAA por estudantes e professores de educação física que atuam em academias de ginástica de Belém, PA. Utilizou-se para a coleta de dados um questionário fechado e anônimo, aplicado a 117 pesquisados. A comparação da prevalência do uso e o grau de conhecimento dos pesquisados sobre EAA foi realizada através de estatística não paramétrica, prova de X² (Qui-quadrado), considerando o intervalo de confiança de 95% e p &lt; 0,05. A média de idade dos participantes da pesquisa foi de 28,0 ± 6,3 anos e a prevalência do uso de EAA foi de 31,6% do total de sujeitos pesquisados. A prevalência maior foi entre os profissionais especialistas (39,3%), tendo como principal motivação para o uso de EAA a estética com 75,6%. Em relação ao conhecimento, verificou-se que as drogas classificadas como EAA foram: Durateston®, Deca-Durabolin®, oxandrolona/Winstrol®. Entretanto, estes profissionais confundiram-se ao apontar outras substâncias como sendo EAA, entre elas: hormônio do crescimento e óleos localizados. Entre os efeitos colaterais, os mais citados foram: acne, engrossamento da voz e agressividade; contudo, efeitos colaterais mais prejudiciais como câncer e aromatização foram menos assinalados. RESULTADOS: Demonstraram que a prevalência de uso de EAA foi significativa (p &lt; 0,03) entre os estudantes e professores de educação física que atuam em academias de Belém, PA, revelando assim prováveis desconhecimentos destes sobre alguns dos efeitos colaterais, podendo implicar no uso indiscriminado destas drogas.

Anabolic androgenic steroids in police cases in Sweden 1999–2009

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are considered drugs of abuse and are controlled substances in Sweden since 1999. Traditionally AAS have been used by elite athletes to enhance performance, but in recent years it has become an increasing problem outside elite sport among athletes, bodybuilders and criminals. Use of AAS is associated with psychiatric side effects such as aggression, depression and violent behavior. Supraphysiological doses and long term use can cause serious physical harm such as cardiovascular toxicity and even premature death. We investigated and evaluated the drug analytical findings in forensic cases from suspected perpetrators in cases from the police where a screening for AAS was requested to get information about the prevalence of AAS use and the occurrence of poly-drug abuse. The study was based on samples submitted from the police authorities to the Department of Forensic Toxicology in Sweden during the period 1999-2009. Urines were analyzed by methods based on GC-MS and LC-MS-MS. We also analyzed the prevalence of AAS use at the prison and probation services. A total number of 12,141 urine samples (6362 police cases and 5779 inmates) were analyzed and 33.5% of the cases from the police and 11.5% of the inmates were tested positive for AAS. The users of AAS were mainly in 99.2% men with a mean age of 26.2±6.2 years whereas the women were 29.5±6.5 years old. The most frequently used AAS was nandrolone followed by testosterone and methandienone. Other illicit and licit drugs were detected in 60% of the cases from the police, strongly indicating a frequent poly-drug abuse among users of AAS.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids—Use and Correlates among Gym Users—An Assessment Study Using Questionnaires and Observations at Gyms in the Stockholm Region

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use and offers to use among gym users in Stockholm County (Sweden), and to conduct a comparison of concordance in estimates of AAS and supplements at gyms between two data collection methods. A questionnaire was distributed to members at 36 training facilities and 1,752 gym users participated in the study. An observation study was conducted as covert participant observations at 64 gyms. According to the questionnaire, 3.9% of men reported life time use of AAS, 1.4% use during the past 12 months and 0.4% AAS use during past 30 days. Not only were there similar patterns found in the two methods, i.e., similar age and gender distributions for AAS use, but analyses of concordance showed that gyms with a higher prevalence of self-reported AAS-use and supplement use (questionnaire) showed a significantly higher proportion of observer-assessed AAS users. Analyses of individual predictors showed that AAS users were almost always young men, regular weight trainers and more often users of drugs and nutritional supplements. The higher prevalence of AAS use among gym users than in the general population makes the former an appropriate target group for AAS prevention. The connection between supplements, drugs and AAS use suggests that effective AAS prevention need to focus on several risk factors for AAS use. The clear resemblance in estimates between the observation and questionnaire data strengthen the credibility of the two methods.