Doping in Gymnasiums in Amman: The other side of Prescription and Nonprescription Drug Abuse

Abstract

This study investigated the abuse of over-the-counter (OTC) products (e.g. proteins, dietary supplements) and prescription drugs (e.g. hormones) in gymnasiums in Amman by random distribution of a structured questionnaire to 375 gym clients (November 2012–February 2013). Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows (version 17.0). A total of 31 (8.8%) clients admitted to using 21 products (mentioned 71 times) of anabolic steroids and other hormones (e.g., growth hormone and thyroxine) to increase muscular power at the gym or build muscle mass. Abuse of different prescription and OTC drugs among gymnasium clients is present in Jordan, but current methods for controlling the problem are ineffective. Better methods should be developed. The study's limitations are noted.

Keywords :

• abuse
• Amman
• anabolic-androgenic steroids
• athletes
• doping
• fitness
• gymnasiums
• proteins

THE AUTHORS

Ahmad Bdair holds a B.Sc. degree of pharmacy, university of Jordan/Amman-Jordan (2011). He has been working in the field of pharmaceutical sales and marketing since 2011 in the area of thrombosis for one of the famous pharmaceutical companies in the area of anticoagulants. In addition, Ahmad has also been working as a research assistant with Dr.M.Wazaify at the University of Jordan. His research interests are mainly in the field of doping, prevention of abuse and misuse of medications in sports.

Dr. Kamal Al-Hadidi is a Professor (Clinical and forensic toxicology of doping in sport) in the Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan. He has held various positions including as Member—Health and Medical Research Committee—World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), President of Jordan and West Asian Anti-Doping Organization, Member—Medical and Anti-Doping Committee—Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Member—Jordan Sport Medicine Federation, and Chairman—Asian Anti-Doping Fund Committee.

Dr. Jenny Scott is Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, University of Bath since 2007 and was previously Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice University of Bath. She completed her PhD in Pharmacy Practice and Drug Misuse from The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, in 2000. She also holds a Certificate in Independent Prescribing (2008), University of Bath. She is also part-time Nonmedical Prescriber since 2010 and Lead Pharmacist since 2013 at Turning Point, England.

Dr. Mayyada Wazaify is Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan since February 2004. She has a PhD in Pharmacy Practice (December 2003) from Queen's University of Belfast, UK, in the area of “Appropriate Use of Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs.” She has published more than 27 papers targeting the promotion of appropriate use of medicines and the prevention of prescription and OTC drug misuse/abuse. Moreover, she is interested in adopting “Harm Reduction” model in identification and management of OTC and prescription drug misuse and abuse.