Anabolic–Androgenic Steroid Abuse among Gym Users, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The main aim of the present study was to assess the use of androgenic–anabolic steroids (AAS) and to investigate its potentially unfavorable effects among gym members attending gym fitness facilities in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out during the summer of 2017. Male gym users in the Eastern Province region of Saudi Arabia were the respondents. Information on socio-demographics, use of AAS, knowledge, and awareness about its side effects were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of AAS consumption among trainees in Eastern Province was 21.3%. The percentage was highest among those 26–30 years of age (31.9%), followed by the 21–25 (27.4%) (p = 0.003) age group. Participants in the study were not aware of the potential adverse effects of AAS use. Adverse effects experienced by 77% of AAS users include psychiatric problems (47%), acne (32.7%), hair loss (14.2%), and sexual dysfunction (10.7%). Moreover, it appears that trainers and friends are major sources (75.20%) for obtaining AAS. Conclusion: AAS abuse is a real problem among gym members, along with a lack of knowledge regarding its adverse effects. Health education and awareness programs are needed not only for trainees, but also for trainers and gym owners as they are reportedly some of the primary sources of AAS.

Consequences of Lockdown and the COVID-19 Pandemic for a Selected Sport – Comparative Study

“…In our study, it was found that the monthly incomes of the respondents do not affect their potential interest in information retrieval and subsequent possible changes in their preferences and behaviour regarding selected performance-enhancing anabolic androgens and steroids before and after the global COVID-19 pandemic. Albaker et al (2021) investigated the negative effects of anabolic androgenic substances and steroids on fitness centre attendees in Saudi Arabia, finding, among other things, that the prevalence of anabolic androgenic and steroid users was highest among low-income attendees (less than 5,000 Saudi Arabian riyals), amounting to 41.6%, and then in attendees with an income of 5,000 to 10,000 Saudi riyals (38.1%). Furthermore, the research found that there was no relationship between the levels of monthly income and of education in terms of the prevalence of the use of anabolic androgenic substances and steroids.…”

“…Horwitz et al (2018) mention that selected performanceenhancing anabolic androgenic substances and steroids cause rapid growth of muscle mass, increase individual performance, and have a positive effect on the physical appearance of an individual. Albaker et al (2021) argue that the misuse of anabolic androgenic substances and steroids is a prominent issue among athletes, along with a lack of knowledge about their adverse effects on human health. Health science in schools, health education, and awareness programmes are necessary not only for athletes, but also for personal trainers and fitness centre owners, as they are said to be one of the main sources of performanceenhancing anabolic androgenic substances and steroids.…”

“…The change in preferences and behaviour regarding selected performance-enhancing anabolic androgenic substances and steroids could be linked to age, social status, level of education, social status, and monthly income (Albaker et al, 2021).…”

Preference and Behaviour Change Regarding Selected Performance-Enhancing Anabolic Androgenic Substances and Steroids in the Context of the Global COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Alharbi et al (2019) also dealt with the possible sources of supply of selected performance-enhancing anabolic androgenic substances and steroids, concluding that the most common sources of supply of these substances were sports coaches (49%), then friends (30.6%), fitness shops (8.2%), trainers (8.2%), and doctors (4.1%). Albaker et al (2021) dealt in their research with the adverse effects and impacts of anabolic androgenic substances and steroids on fitness centre attendees in Saudi Arabia, concluding, among other things, that the main sources of supply of the anabolic androgenic substances and steroids they selected were personal trainers and friends (75.2%), while the research participants were unaware of the possible adverse effects of their use.…”