Anabolic androgenic steroids: Use and perceived use in nonathlete college students

Joseph M. Berning, Kent J. Adams, Mark DeBeliso, Bryant A. Stamford, Ian M. Newman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The authors investigated the use and perceived use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) among nonathlete college students. Participants: The authors surveyed a sample of 485 nonathlete college students at a major metropolitan university. Methods: They administered a survey on use and perceived use of AAS to the students. Results: Forty-two participants (9%) reported using AAS (37 men, 5 women). Seniors were the most likely to use AAS (36%), and freshman the least likely (7%). Thirty-four percent of nonusers and 41% of users indicated they knew between 1 and 5 AAS users. Of the total sample, 36% perceived that 5% to 10% of nonathlete college students used AAS. Reasons for AAS use were because friends were using (7%), a desire to enhance physical appearance (45%), and a desire to increase physical performance (48%). Conclusions: These findings may have significant implications in planning strategic preventive educational programs, and health educators should target incoming college freshmen with the intent of dissuading AAS use.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)499-504
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of American College Health
Volume56
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anabolic steroids
  • College students
  • Ergogenic aids
  • Performance-enhancing drugs
  • Self-perception

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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