Characteristics of the Online Market for Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids in Central Asia: A Netnographic Analysis

Abstract

Background: With the online proliferation of illegal substances, the Internet offers a wide variety of information on the acquisition and intake of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other performance and image enhancing drugs. This study focuses on investigating the characteristics of the online AAS market in Central Asia. Objectives: The primary objectives of this study were to investigate the accessibility and features of the online market for AAS in Central Asia. Methods: We employed a netnographic approach for a systematic exploration of websites advertising and selling AAS. The study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of several key aspects, including the variety of AAS products offered, the quality of health advice provided the level of product availability, the procedures involved in making purchases, and the pricing structures within this market. Results: Twenty-one websites supplying AAS in Central Asia met our inclusion criteria. Using content analysis, data were gathered on AAS offerings, quality of health advice provided, availability, purchase process, and prices. Data were synthesized using descriptive statistics. Results indicate that AAS are easily accessible for purchase without valid medical prescription in the Central Asia online market. Most websites advertised the aesthetic and ergogenic benefits of AAS use without indicating the potential complications and adverse effects. Conclusions: Public health efforts to mitigate AAS use in Central Asia should consider both the online accessibility of AAS and the lack of accompanying information on potential complications as well as adverse effects associated with their use. Efforts must be intensified to curtail the proliferation of AAS and related misleading information on the Central Asian online market.

Keywords:

• Anabolic-androgenic steroids
• central casia
• netnography
• online market
• The internet

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Authors’ contributions

KN conceived the study and drafted the article. All authors contributed to the interpretation of the data and writing process.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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Funding

The study was not funded. The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript.