Anabolic Steroid Use by Male Adolescents

TLDR

Anabolic steroids are increasingly used by professional and college athletes to enhance muscle size and strength. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and knowledge of anabolic steroid use among high‑school male adolescents in a southern state and to emphasize the need for healthcare providers to educate them about the risks. Researchers administered a self‑report questionnaire to 853 male students in six high schools, collecting multiple responses on reasons for use, information sources, knowledge of physiological effects and complications, and sports involvement. About 11% of participants reported current or past anabolic steroid use, indicating that a notable segment of male adolescents uses steroids without fully understanding the associated risks.

Abstract

Anabolic steroids have recently been used by professional and college athletes to improve athletic ability by increasing muscle size and strength. A study was done to determine the extent of steroid use and knowledge about these drugs in a population of high school male adolescents in a southern state. A self-report questionnaire, which allowed multiple answers for each question, was administered to 853 male students in six high schools. Results indicated that an average of 11% had used or were using anabolic steroids. The following were assessed: the reasons for steroid use, the sources from which the students received information about steroids, their familiarity with the physiologic effects and complications of steroid use, and the extent of their involvement in sports. The results suggest that a segment of male adolescents are using anabolic steroids without fully understanding the risks of such behavior. Health care providers need to become knowledgeable about steroids so that they may better educate adolescents about the potential deleterious effects of these agents.