Steroid and illicit drug abuse in the health and fitness community: A systematic review of evidence

Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health Pub Date : 2025-04-01 DOI:10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100172

Abdullah Al Hamid, Latifah Alomani, Alhanoof Aljuresan, Wasan Alahmad, Zainab Alluwaim

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Abstract

Background and aims

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) have become a significant concern within the health and fitness community, particularly among athletes seeking enhanced performance. This systematic review investigates the prevalence, motivation, physiological and psychological effects, and risks of AAS use while identifying gaps in knowledge surrounding these substances.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between 2014 and 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on research exploring athletes’ experiences with AAS, specifically side effects and usage patterns. Data extraction followed a standardized template, and study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tools.

Findings

From 13,387 identified records, 56 studies met the inclusion criteria. AAS use was prevalent across various regions and demographics, with rates ranging from 6.4 % to 29.3 % globally among gym participants, depending on the population and setting. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence was notably high at 29.3 %, reflecting unique regional factors. Motivations for AAS use consistently included enhancing physical performance, improving body image, and achieving a competitive edge. Awareness of AAS-related risks was alarmingly low across all regions, with only 38.1 % of users recognizing health concerns such as hypertension and hair loss. Misuse was universally associated with severe physical and physiological complications, including cardiovascular issues, and psychological disorders like depression and aggression.

Conclusions

AAS misuse is a complex issue driven by performance goals and societal pressures. Targeted educational interventions are urgently needed to enhance awareness of the associated risks and legal implications. Future research should prioritize strategies to mitigate misuse and foster healthier practices within fitness communities.

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健康和健身社区的类固醇和非法药物滥用：证据的系统回顾

背景和目的：代谢性雄激素（AAS）已成为健康和健身界关注的重要问题，特别是在寻求提高成绩的运动员中。本系统综述调查了AAS使用的流行程度、动机、生理和心理影响以及风险，同时确定了围绕这些物质的知识空白。方法系统检索2014 - 2024年间发表的PubMed、谷歌Scholar、Scopus和Web of Science。纳入标准侧重于研究探索运动员使用AAS的经历，特别是副作用和使用模式。数据提取遵循标准化模板，并使用乔安娜布里格斯研究所（JBI）和关键评估技能计划（CASP）工具评估研究质量。从13387份确定的记录中，有56项研究符合纳入标准。AAS的使用在各个地区和人口统计中都很普遍，根据人口和环境的不同，全球健身房参与者的使用率从6.4%到29.3%不等。在沙特阿拉伯，患病率明显高至29.3%，反映出独特的区域因素。使用AAS的动机始终包括提高身体表现、改善身体形象和获得竞争优势。所有地区对aas相关风险的认识都低得惊人，只有38.1%的用户认识到高血压和脱发等健康问题。滥用普遍与严重的身体和生理并发症有关，包括心血管问题，以及抑郁症和攻击性等心理障碍。结论saas滥用是一个由绩效目标和社会压力驱动的复杂问题。迫切需要有针对性的教育干预措施，以提高对相关风险和法律影响的认识。未来的研究应该优先考虑在健身社区中减少滥用和促进更健康的做法的策略。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health Pharmacology, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Forensic Medicine, Drug Discovery, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (General)

CiteScore

2.40

自引率

0.00%

发文量