Prevalence Of Anabolic-androgenic Steroid Use Research Articles

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 < 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 < 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.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroid (AAS) Abuse: Not Only an Elite Performance Issue?

Introduction: The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) for reasons other than medical treatment, was considered to be restricted to the bodybuilders or professional athletes. A study in 2001, by our research unit, demon- strated a high prevalence of AAS use by recreational gym users. From 106 questionnaires, 53% (56/106) had used AAS within the past year but no females reported using AAS. Methods: The present study was conducted amongst a similar sample of recreational gym users in the South Wales area. Results: From 146 questionnaires, 70% (102/146 individuals) reported AAS use and 7% (10/146 individuals) of respon- dents were female. Mean age of sample was 33.6 ± 6.7 years and ranged from 15-72 years of age. This research demon- strated an enormous increase in the drug, growth hormone (24%), which had been used to reduce body fat. The demographic and social characteristics of the respondents indicated that AAS users were from differing socio- economic backgrounds (wealthy and non-wealthy) and did not fall into any specific category (working class, middle class or upper class). Conclusion: In the recreational fitness industry their use would appear to be predominantly for vanity and cosmetic rea- sons.

Anabolic Steroid Use

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) were the first identified doping agents that have ergogenic effects and are being used to increase muscle mass and strength in adult males. Consequently, athletes are still using them to increase physical performance and bodybuilders are using them to improve size and cosmetic appearance. The prevalence of AAS use has risen dramatically over the last two decades and filtered into all aspects of society. Support for AAS users has increased, but not by the medical profession, who will not accept that AAS use dependency is a psychiatric condition. The adverse effects and potential dangers of AAS use have been well documented. AAS are used in sport by individuals who have acquired knowledge of the half-lives of specific drugs and the dosages and cycles required to avoid detection. Conversely, they are used by bodybuilders in extreme dosages with the intention of gaining muscle mass and size, with little or no regard for the consequences. Polypharmacy by self-prescription is prevalent in this sector. Most recently, AAS use has filtered through to 'recreational street drug' users and is the largest growth of drugs in this subdivision. They are taken to counteract the anorexic and cachectic effects of the illegal psychotropic street drugs. Screening procedures for AAS in World Anti-Doping Agency accredited laboratories are comprehensive and sensitive and are based mainly on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, although liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry is becoming increasingly more valuable. The use of carbon isotope mass spectrometry is also of increasing importance in the detection of natural androgen administration, particularly to detect testosterone administration. There is a degree of contentiousness in the scenario of AAS drug use, both within and outside sport. AAS and associated doping agents are not illegal per se. Possession is not an offence, despite contravening sporting regulations and moral codes. Until AAS are classified in the same capacity as street drugs in the UK, where possession becomes a criminal offence, they will continue to attract those who want to win at any cost. The knowledge acquired by such work can only assist in the education of individuals who use such doping agents, with a view to minimizing health risks and hopefully once again create a level playing field in sport.

Prevalence and risk factors of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse among adolescents and young adults in Poland

To estimate the prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse among adolescent and young adults in Poland. 3,687 men (48.2%) and women (51.8%), median age 23 (interquartile range 19-30 years) participated in a survey via a "pop-up window" which appeared on two popular Polish internet portals during one month. Questions concerning their body image, exercise behaviour, education level and use of anabolic-androgenic steroids were asked. The prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids use was 6.2% among males and 2.9% among females. Male AAS users, compared to non-users, were more often concerned about their physical appearance, were less educated and often engaged in some sport activity. Among female AAS users, no significant differences concerning self-body image satisfaction or participation in sports were found. However, compared to non-users, female AAS users were less educated. The abuse of AAS is a reality in Poland and may become a serious health concern among adolescents and young adults.

Predictors of Future Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Use

To prospectively study the stability of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use and predictors of AAS use, and to investigate whether AAS use alters the risk of later emotional and behavioral problems. Survey of a national sample of Norwegian high school students (age 15-19) in 1994 followed up in 1999 (N = 2924). Measures of frequent alcohol intoxication (50+ times per 12 months), cannabis use (12 months), hard drug use (12 months), being offered cannabis, eating problems, conduct problems, sexual debut before age 15, BMI, involvement in power sports, perceived physical appearance, and satisfaction with body parts were obtained. Life-time prevalence of AAS use were 1.9 and 0.8% in the follow-up period. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that future AAS use was predicted by young age, male gender, previous AAS use, involvement in power sports, and frequent alcohol intoxication. AAS use did not predict future emotional or behavioral problems other than reducing the risk of future frequent alcohol intoxication. Frequent alcohol intoxication and involvement in power sports appear to predict future AAS use. At the population level there was little stability in individual AAS use from adolescence to early adulthood. No detrimental effects of AAS use could be detected in this study, but low statistical power limits this conclusion.

Pharmacoepidemiology of anabolic androgenic steroids: a review

Non-prescribed use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has been associated with a number of physical and psychiatric/behavioural complications, some of which are potentially lethal. Here, we review both observational and experimental studies on human subjects concerned with such side-effects. The only physical complication of AAS use that receives definitive support from such investigations is unfavourable changes in blood lipid profiles. Support for various psychiatric complications has also been provided by a number of cross-sectional studies, most involving comparisons between weight-training individuals who use or do not use AAS. Certain of these complications, in particular hypomania and increased aggressiveness, have been confirmed in some, but not all, randomized controlled studies. Epidemiological attempts to determine whether AAS use triggers violent behaviour have failed, primarily because of high rates of non-participation. Studies regarding the prevalence of AAS use in different populations typically report life-time prevalences of 1-5% among adolescents. However, the life-time prevalence (i.e. use on at least one occasion) is of doubtful relevance in attempting to estimate the number of individuals at risk for side-effects, as most of these complications appear to develop during prolonged use of AAS. Furthermore, it is reasonable to assume that the symptoms and signs of AAS use are often overlooked by healthcare professionals, so that the number of cases of possible AAS-related complications is virtually unknown. These limitations, together with an apparently low prevalence of prolonged AAS use among the general population, indicate that future epidemiological research in this area should focus on retrospective case-control studies and, perhaps, also on prospective cohort studies of populations selected for a high prevalence of AAS use, rather than attempting to perform large-scale population-based studies.

General practitioners' views and knowledge about anabolic steroid use—survey of GPs in a high prevalence area

The aim of this study was to assess GPs' attitudes, clinical behaviour, information needs and contact with anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users in an area reported to have a high prevalence of AAS use. It was a cross-sectional study of GPs using a self-administered questionnaire. The sample comprised of 202 GPs practising in the Central Business District and inner city area of Sydney took part. Of 164 eligible GPs, 143 responded (87% response rate). Fifty-three per cent of respondents reported that they had seen at least one patient in the last year who told them they had used AASs for non-medical purposes; 6% indicated that they had seen more than 20 patients who mentioned AAS use. Two per cent of respondents reported prescribing AASs for body-building purposes and 6% indicated a willingness to do so in a hypothetical situation. Forty per cent of respondents reported that they would be willing to provide harm minimization advice to AAS users; 77% of respondents were interested in obtaining more information about AAS use, most frequently requested in the form of a fact sheet or pamphlet. Most GPs in the area surveyed had some contact with AAS users in their practice. Some GPs had favourable attitudes towards prescription of AASs for non-medical purposes. These attitudes require further exploration. The results of this survey invite a reappraisal of many policy initiatives involving GPs aimed at reducing AAS-related harm.

Anabolic steroid use by adolescents: prevalence, motives, and knowledge of risks.

Athletes and nonathletes use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) to improve their strength and enhance their appearance. Few studies have been undertaken in the 1990s to assess the use of AAS in adolescents, following changes in legislation. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of AAS use by high school students in Denver, Colorado, an area with high sports participation. A confidential questionnaire was completed by 6,930 students (response rate 96.6%) at 10 Denver high schools. The prevalence of AAS use was 2.7% (4.0% for boys and 1.3% for girls). Prevalence was slightly higher in sport participants than nonparticipants. The mean age of starting AAS was 14 years (range 8-17 years). This study is the first documented detailed assessment of high school students' knowledge of the risks of AAS. It shows knowledge deficits regarding potential side effects. Users of AAS were less likely than nonusers to acknowledge the risks of AAS. Only 18% of students claim to have been informed about AAS by physicians. The results suggest that health care providers should provide more information to adolescents about AAS. If educational efforts are found effective, teaching efforts regarding AAS should start in junior high school or sooner and continue through high school.

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: Prevalence, Knowledge, and Attitudes in Junior and Senior High School Students

Abstract A survey was administered to approximately 2,200 junior and senior high school students in the Salt Lake City, Utah metropolitan area to determine the prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroid use. The survey also determined gender, sports participation, and other illicit drug use. The number of surveys that were returned was 1,907 or approximately 87 percent of those surveyed. The proportion of steroid users in the total sample population was 3.3 percent. Steroid use was greater for boys (4.0 percent) than for girls (1.4 percent) and for participants in strength training activities (5.0 percent) than for non-participants (1.6 percent). Current or former AAS users were more likely to have smoked marijuana, used cocaine, or consumed alcohol than non-steroid users. In general, all students performed poorly, <70 percent, on a knowledge test regarding the physiological and psychological effects of AAS use. However, users were less knowledgeable (M=60 percent) than non-users (M=67.9 percent). Steroid users were more accepting of steroid use in sport and were less concerned about the health risks associated with taking steroids than non-users.

Estimated Prevalence of Anabolic Steroid Use Among Male High School Seniors

The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AS) is perceived by the media, by segments of the sports medicine and athletic communities, and by the public to have grown to epidemic proportions. Unfortunately, the incidence and prevalence of AS use among elite, amateur, and recreational athletes is poorly documented. This study was designed to help identify AS use patterns among the male portion of the general adolescent population. The overall participation rate on a schoolwide basis was 68.7% and on an individual basis reached 50.3%. Participants in this investigation were 12th-grade male students (N = 3403) in 46 private and public high schools across the nation who completed a questionnaire that established current or previous use of AS as well as user and nonuser characteristics. Results indicate that 6.6% of 12th grade male students use or have used AS and that over two thirds of the user group initiated use when they were 16 years of age or younger. Approximately 21% of users reported that a health professional was their primary source. The evidence indicates that educational intervention strategies should begin as early as junior high school; the intervention should not be directed only toward those individuals who participate in school-based athletics.

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use Among 1,010 College Men.

In brief: Little is known about the prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroid use in the United States. To obtain some initial information, the authors sent questionnaires to male students at three US colleges. Of the 1,010 respondents, 17 (2%) reported using steroids. Most were competitive athletes, but four used steroids primarily to improve personal appearance. Steroid users were not distinguishable from nonusers based on academic achievement or the use of other illicit drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol. The authors point out that the study is exploratory and that the results probably underestimate the true prevalence of steroid use in the United States.