Assessment of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Use Among Professional CrossFit^® Athletes: Motives, Perception, and Safety

Abstract

Background

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are traditionally used for the treatment/control of various diseases; however, they are being used for non-therapeutic and indiscriminate purposes to enhance sports performance and physical appearance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of AAS use among professional CrossFit® competitors.

Methods

We conducted an observational cross-sectional survey in which an anonymous questionnaire was applied to professional CrossFit^® athletes.

Results

The prevalence of AAS usage was 33.3%. Most users were male (74.2%), aged between 30 and 39 years (51.6%), with completed higher education (83.9%), and had been training for more than 5 years (77.4%); the primary motivation for AAS use was performance enhancement (77.4%). Individuals who were older (p < 0.05) and more experienced in competitions (p < 0.01) are more likely to use AAS. Testosterone was the most employed AAS (71.0%); CrossFit^® athletes typically used an average of 2 different AAS. The majority of users had notably sought advice from a physician (74.2%), and AAS were acquired from either drugstores (80.6%) or through illicit channels (29.0%). Moreover, 61.3% of AAS users reported experiencing adverse effects.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated a higher prevalence of AAS users among professional competitors in CrossFit^® compared to the general population; older age and greater experience in official competitions were decisive factors for a greater inclination toward AAS use. A significant percentage of athletes seek drugs through illegal channels. Despite the majority of users experiencing adverse effects, athletes report satisfaction with use, believing that the benefits still outweigh the drawbacks.

Keywords:

• Adverse effects
• Brazil
• performance and image enhancing drugs
• prevalence
• testosterone

Declaration of interest

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by grants from Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Inovação da Universidade de Rio Verde (PRPI-UniRV) and Pró-reitoria de Pós-graduação da Universidade de Rio Verde (PRPG-UniRV).