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Assessment of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Use Among Professional CrossFit® Athletes: Motives, Perception, and Safety.
Lima, Paulo M A; Barros, Ycaro C; Barros, Ana B N; Farias, Letícia M.
Affiliation
  • Lima PMA; Núcleo de Pesquisa da Faculdade de Medicina da, Universidade de Rio Verde (NUPMA-UniRV) Goiânia, Brazil.
  • Barros YC; Núcleo de Pesquisa da Faculdade de Medicina da, Universidade de Rio Verde (NUPMA-UniRV) Goiânia, Brazil.
  • Barros ABN; Núcleo de Pesquisa da Faculdade de Medicina da, Universidade de Rio Verde (NUPMA-UniRV) Goiânia, Brazil.
  • Farias LM; Núcleo de Pesquisa da Faculdade de Medicina da, Universidade de Rio Verde (NUPMA-UniRV) Goiânia, Brazil.
Subst Use Misuse ; 59(10): 1488-1494, 2024.
Article in En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38812099
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are traditionally used for the treatment/control of various diseases; however, they are being used for non-therapeutic and indiscriminate purposes to enhance sports performance and physical appearance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of AAS use among professional CrossFit® competitors.

METHODS:

We conducted an observational cross-sectional survey in which an anonymous questionnaire was applied to professional CrossFit® athletes.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of AAS usage was 33.3%. Most users were male (74.2%), aged between 30 and 39 years (51.6%), with completed higher education (83.9%), and had been training for more than 5 years (77.4%); the primary motivation for AAS use was performance enhancement (77.4%). Individuals who were older (p < 0.05) and more experienced in competitions (p < 0.01) are more likely to use AAS. Testosterone was the most employed AAS (71.0%); CrossFit® athletes typically used an average of 2 different AAS. The majority of users had notably sought advice from a physician (74.2%), and AAS were acquired from either drugstores (80.6%) or through illicit channels (29.0%). Moreover, 61.3% of AAS users reported experiencing adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results demonstrated a higher prevalence of AAS users among professional competitors in CrossFit® compared to the general population; older age and greater experience in official competitions were decisive factors for a greater inclination toward AAS use. A significant percentage of athletes seek drugs through illegal channels. Despite the majority of users experiencing adverse effects, athletes report satisfaction with use, believing that the benefits still outweigh the drawbacks.
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Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Doping in Sports / Athletes / Anabolic Agents / Motivation Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged Language: En Journal: Subst Use Misuse Journal subject: TRANSTORNOS RELACIONADOS COM SUBSTANCIAS Year: 2024 Document type: Article Affiliation country: Brasil

Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Doping in Sports / Athletes / Anabolic Agents / Motivation Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged Language: En Journal: Subst Use Misuse Journal subject: TRANSTORNOS RELACIONADOS COM SUBSTANCIAS Year: 2024 Document type: Article Affiliation country: Brasil