Personal and psychosocial factors associated with anabolic-androgenic steroid use among Iranian male bodybuilders

ABSTRACT

Aim: The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) by athletes has become a widespread problem in the developing countries. However, predisposing risk factors for AAS initiation among athletes are not well known. This study aimed to investigate the roles of psychosocial and demographic factors associated with AAS use among Iranian male bodybuilders.

Method: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out on 280 male bodybuilders of Hamadan recruited through a multistage sampling method in 2016. The data-gathering tool consisted of a self-administered questionnaire with questions about AAS use and demographic, social, and psychological variables. Data were analyzed with SPSS-16 software using Chi-square, independent t-test, and logistic regression methods.

Results: A total of 76 (27.1%) subjects were AAS users. According to the results, attitude and self-efficacy were associated with AAS use (p < 0.05). The result obtained from logistic regression analysis revealed that tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, supplement use, having AAS user coach, and having AAS user friends were significant predicting factors for AAS use among male bodybuilders (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: AAS use is common among male bodybuilders in Iran. Personal and psychosocial correlates of AAS use identified in this study may be helpful for the development of preventive interventions.

KEYWORDS:

• Anabolic-androgenic steroids
• attitude
• bodybuilders
• self-efficacy

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Hamadan gyms staffs and clients, respectively, for assistance and participating in this study.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences under Grant [number 9508184851].