A Study of Steroid Use among Athletes: Knowledge, Attitude and Use

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship of knowledge, attitudes and prevalence of steroid use among athletes and non-athletes. There was a total of 222 participants, 116 males and 106 females, who completed a questionnaire on knowledge, attitude and prevalence of steroid use. The median age for this group was 24 years old. In all, 23 percent of the sample reported use. Users were significantly more knowledgeable than non-users, and their attitude toward use was, as expected, more positive. A moderate, significant correlation (r = .48, p < .001) was found between attitude and knowledge. In other words, the more individuals knew about steroids, the more favorable was their attitude toward their use. As expected, in this sample more athletes (32.5 percent) than non-athletes (1.5 percent) reported use (Chi-Square = 24.54, p < .001), and almost all (98 percent) of users could be classified as athletes. Among male athletes, 35 percent reported use as opposed to only 10 percent of female athletes. Power-lifters and body-builders were more likely to use than non-lifters and non-body-builders.