Amphetamine use and its associated factors in body builders: a study from Tehran, Iran

Abstract

IntroductionEpidemiological studies on all types of illicit drug use among athletes are essential for both the sport community and drug control achievements. Here, we investigated the prevalence and associated factors of amphetamine use in body builders in Tehran, Iran, 2007.Material and methodsThis study is a secondary analysis of a substance use survey done in 103 randomly selected gymnasia in Tehran (capital city of Iran). The survey was conducted from November 2007 to January 2008 and included 843 randomly selected bodybuilders (aged 40 years or less). By interviews via questionnaires the following data were obtained: age, job, marital status, education level, housing status, average monthly family income, number of family members, gymnasium area (m2), number of trainers, number of gymnasium members, initiation time (months), weekly duration of the sporting activity (h), monthly cost of the sporting activity, purpose of participating in sporting activity, and history of anabolic steroid and amphetamine use.ResultsOne hundred twenty (13.3%) body builders reported a history of amphetamine use. According to the results of regression analysis, being married (risk ratio – RR = 0.540), and participating in body building to enhance self-esteem (RR = 0.423) or to enhance sport performance (RR = 0.545) had protective effects on amphetamine use. However, having university qualifications (RR = 1.843), using anabolic steroids (RR = 1.803) and participating in sport to maintain fitness (RR = 2.472) were linked to increased risk of amphetamine use.ConclusionsWell-educated bodybuilders were more likely to use amphetamines, and why this is so needs to be discovered. If further studies show that they are not aware of the dangers associated with amphetamine use, providing them with information should be considered.

Use of amphetamine-type stimulants in the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2004-2015: a review

“…According to this study, the prevalence of lifetime use of ecstasy was 18.5% (26.1% in men and 11.7% in women) (29). Another study on 834 male athletes in 103 gyms in 2007/08 reported a prevalence of lifetime use of amphetamines of 13.3% (30).…”

Comparison of Characteristics of Methamphetamine Versus Opiate Users in Tehran, Iran

“…However, Hamdieh et al reported a high prevalence (7.2%) of psychostimulant use in people 15 to 35 years old in Tehran (18). In addition, the previous history of amphetamine use in body-builders was reported as 13.3% (19). Lashkaripour and Torbati reported an increasing prevalence of methamphetamine abuse in people who referred to a methadone maintenance therapy clinic from 6% in 2009 to 20% in 2011 (20).…”

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“…In general, little information is available on amphetamine abuse in Iran and most studies are focused on traditional drugs, such as opium and its derivatives; i.e., opium sap and heroin. In a study, the consumption of methamphetamine was reported 18% among people with high-risk sexual behaviour, which is the highest reported substance abuse observed [2]. Women usually abuse methamphetamine to lose weight [2,3].…”

“…In a study, the consumption of methamphetamine was reported 18% among people with high-risk sexual behaviour, which is the highest reported substance abuse observed [2]. Women usually abuse methamphetamine to lose weight [2,3].…”

“…In spite of global concern, the exact estimation of amphetamine consumption is not possible, due to the fact that the majority of amphetamine abusers are the youth gathered in parties who seldom approach treatment [2].…”