The world's first anabolic-androgenic steroid testing trial: A two-phase pilot combining chemical analysis, results dissemination and community feedback.
Timothy Piatkowski, Ross Coomber, Cameron Francis, Emma Kill, Geoff Davey, Sarah Cresswell, Alan White, Madeline Harding, Karen Blakey, Steph Reeve, Brooke Walters, Cheneal Puljevic, Jason Ferris, Monica Barratt
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background and aims: The clandestine production and distribution of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) poses health risks due to the uncertainty of their contents. This study aimed to test the chemical content of AAS samples and provide aggregate results back to the community, exploring how these results influenced usage decisions and risk management.
Design: A mixed-methods approach was used, combining chemical analysis of AAS samples with qualitative interviews. Participants submitted samples for testing, and the results were later shared with them. Semi-structured interviews explored participants' perceptions of AAS risks and the impact of testing results on their behaviour.
Setting: The study was conducted at CheQpoint drug checking service in Brisbane, Australia.
Participants: Thirty-two samples were submitted for testing between 19 April and 7 June 2024, with 23 samples analysed. A total of 25 active AAS users participated in interviews.
Measurements: Chemical analyses identified substances present and assessed active ingredient concentrations. Qualitative interviews gathered participants' perceptions, and these data were analysed through iterative categorisation, guided by the Health Belief Model.
Findings: Chemical analysis identified that 13% of samples contained substances different from what was expected. Concentrations of active ingredients were close to expected levels [e.g. testosterone propionate at 96.2 mg/mL (range = 91.39-101.01 mg/mL)]. Interviews identified four key theme categories. Participants sought testing primarily for substance verification, expressing concerns about contamination and dosage. Barriers to testing included limited access and fear of disclosure. While testing was seen as a valuable harm reduction tool, gaps in health guidance and follow-up support were identified as areas for improvement.
Conclusions: Thirteen percent of 23 anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) samples analysed contained substances different from what was expected. Interviews with active AAS users highlighted the need for reliable information, accessible testing services and tailored health approaches for AAS use.
期刊介绍：
Addiction publishes peer-reviewed research reports on pharmacological and behavioural addictions, bringing together research conducted within many different disciplines.
Its goal is to serve international and interdisciplinary scientific and clinical communication, to strengthen links between science and policy, and to stimulate and enhance the quality of debate. We seek submissions that are not only technically competent but are also original and contain information or ideas of fresh interest to our international readership. We seek to serve low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries as well as more economically developed countries.
Addiction’s scope spans human experimental, epidemiological, social science, historical, clinical and policy research relating to addiction, primarily but not exclusively in the areas of psychoactive substance use and/or gambling. In addition to original research, the journal features editorials, commentaries, reviews, letters, and book reviews.
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