Social network exposure and sociodemographic factors associated with intentions to use anabolic-androgenic steroids

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to examine 1) perceived anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use within the social networks of non-consumers, 2) the intentions to use AAS among non-consumers, including the sociodemographic predictors of intentions to use, and 3) whether perceived AAS use within one’s social network is associated with intentions to use.

Methods

Data from 1515 boys and men from Canada and the United States were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to describe perceived AAS use within the social networks of participants and their intentions to use AAS. Linear regression analyses were used to determine the sociodemographic associations with intentions to use AAS and whether perceived AAS use within one’s social network is associated with AAS use intentions.

Results

Over one third (34.9 %) of participants reported perceiving any individual in their social network who uses AAS, while intentions to use AAS were relatively weak. Participants who identified as multi-racial were associated with stronger intentions to use AAS, while those who identified as gay or had a master’s degree or higher were associated with weaker intentions to use. Participants who perceived anyone in their social network who used AAS were associated with stronger intentions to use themselves.

Conclusion

These findings provide novel insights into AAS use within the social networks of a large, diverse, and international sample of boys and men, and their intentions to use. Prevention efforts should focus on boys and men who identify as multi-racial and who have individuals in their social network who use AAS.