Illicit Use and Abuse of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids Among Brazilian Bodybuilders

Abstract

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are used to enhance performance and appearance. The aim of this research was to assess the knowledge of AAS among Brazilian bodybuilders. The sample was comprised of 123 male participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years. Questionnaires were administered to bodybuilders from gyms in the district capital and in the rural area of Pernambuco, state of northeast of Brazil, in 2008. We analyzed the use and abuse of AAS from several different perspectives among the bodybuilders. For the participants in our study, enhanced appearance justifies the misuse of AAS. The study's limitations are noted.

RÉSUMÉ

Utilisation illicite et abus de stéroides anabolisants androgènes par des culturistes brésiliens

Les stéroides anabolisants androgènes (SAA) sont utilisés pour augmenter la performance et améliorer l’apparence. Le but de cette recherche est d’évaluer la connaissance des SAA qu’ont des culturistes brésiliens. L’échantillon comprenait 123 participants masculins, âgés entre 18 et 50 ans. Des questionnaires ont été soumis à des culturistes de clubs situés dans la capitale et dans la zone rurale de Pernambuco, état du Nord-Est du Brésil, en 2008. Nous avons analysé l’utilisation et l’abus des SAA chez les culturistes suivant plusieurs perspectives différentes. Pour les participants à notre étude, l’amélioration de l’apparence justifie l’abus des SAA.

Mots-clés: Stéroides anabolisants androgènes; Abus de drogues; Culturisme; Mauvais usage des stéroides; Apparence corporelle.

RESUMEN

Uso ilícito y abuso de Esteroides Anabólico-Androgénicos entre físico-culturistas brasileros.

Los Esteroides Anabólico –Androgénicos (EAA) Se utilizan para mejorar el rendimiento y la apariencia. El objetivo de esta investigación, fue evaluar el conocimiento de los EAA entre físico-culturistas brasileros. La muestra se compone de 123 participantes del sexo masculino, con edades entre los 18 y 50 años. Los cuestionarios fueron realizados a los físico-culturistas de gimnasios en el Distrito Capital y en la zona rural de Pernambuco, estado del nordeste de Brasil, en 2008. Se analizó el uso y abuso de EAA desde distintas perspectivas entre los físico-culturistas. Para los participantes en nuestro estudio, la apariencia mejorada justifica el abuso de EAA.

Palabras Clave: Esteroides Anabólico –Androgénicos, Abuso de drogas, Fisico-culturismo, Mal uso de esteroides, Apariencia corporal.

Keywords :

• anabolic-androgenic steroids
• drug misuse
• bodybuilding
• steroids misuse
• body appearance

THE AUTHORS

Azenildo Moura Santos received his bachelors’ degree in physical education and is Exercise Physiology Specialist at the Sport Sociology Laboratory and Psychology Laboratory of Sport, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Departamento de Educação Física (DEF), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE). He is concluding his PhD program at the Instituto de Saúde Coletiva—ISC, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil, and got a scholarship of research fellow of the National Council of Scientific and Technologic Development—CNPq, Ministry of Science and Technology, Brazil. His primary interests include psychophysiology phenomenon in sports, sport nutrition, performance enhancing substances, doping in sport and exercise, body image in sports and exercise, anabolic-androgenic steroids in public health, and health promotion.

Manoel Sérgio Pereira da Rocha received his bachelors’ degree in pharmacology and is Clinical Pharmacology Specialist. His primary interests include performance-enhancing substances, doping in sport and exercise, anabolic-androgenic steroids in public health, drugs in sports, and drugs and adolescents.

Marcos Freire da Silva received his bachelors’ degree in pharmacology and is Clinical Pharmacology Specialist. His primary interests include performance-enhancing substances, doping in sport and exercise, anabolic-androgenic steroids in public health, drugs in sports, and drugs and adolescents