Study the Prevalence of Anabolic Steroids Consumption among Bodybuilding Athletes in Yasuj, Iran

Abstract

Background: Today, in Iran sport has gained a special place among people and meantime, bodybuilding centers were able to attract many people, while a large number of athletes have the desire to consume anabolic steroids to enhance their athletic performance, gain championship and fitness, and increase their muscle mass and energy. This study was performed to survey prevalence of anabolic steroids consumption in athletes in Yasuj, Iran. Methods: During 2012, totally, 214 male and female athletes in Yasuj, Iran were randomly enrolled. The necessary information was obtained using a questionnaire containing demographic questions, the amount and type of substance used, their purpose of consumption, duration of exercise, the manner of preparation and consumption, the place of preparation and awareness about the side effects of these compounds. Results: The least were athletes less than 20 years old (9.8%) and the most were 20-25 years (55.1%), while 43% of athletes used anabolic steroids. Creatine (77.2%) and anabolic steroids (72.8%) were the most commonly used drugs among consumers. About 69.6% of consumers reported an increase in muscle mass as the reason, 28.6% provided the substances from free market, 11% reported consultation with their doctor or nutritionist to use the proper substance, 45.8% had low awareness, and only 14.5% were completely aware of side effects. Conclusion: Regarding the frequency of consumption od anabolic steroids and low awareness of athletes about the complications, educational programs seem to be necessary to control their use and increase the awareness of users.

Keywords

• Anabolic steroids
• Athlete
• Prevalence
• Iran