Abstract
Objectives: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) have been used internationally for enhancing physical appearance and performance despite their significant side effects. We sought to identify the prevalence of AAS use and its different risk factors among gym users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed among gym users across 20 gyms in Riyadh. The cluster sampling technique was used to represent the four regions of Riyadh (North, South, East, and West). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with AAS. Results: Out of 482 participants, 29.3% reported using AAS. The mean age of the study participants was 27.2±6.9 years, 61.0% were single, 67.1% were educated, 35.5% were government employees, and 31.1% were students. The use of AAS was more prevalent among gym members who practiced weightlifting (45.5%), were employed in the private sector (35.8%), and aged > 25 years old (53.3%). Multiple logistic regression showed that the most significant factors associated with the use of AAS among gym members were: weightlifting, using supplementary vitamins or minerals, following special diets, knowing individuals who used AAS, and being offered AAS. Conclusions: Our study provides clear evidence that the lifetime prevalence of AAS use is high among male gym members in Riyadh with modifiable risk factors. The results could help public health policymakers to take the necessary measures to alleviate the potential negative implications of AAS use at the community level.
Keywords
Publication details
- DOI
- 10.5001/omj.2020.28
- Journal
- Oman Medical Journal
- Publisher
- Oman Medical Specialty Board
- Open access
- Gold open access
Cite this article
APA 7
Al-Harbi, F. F., Gamaleddin, I., Alsubaie, E. G., & Al-Surimi, K. M. (2020). Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Anabolic-androgenic Steroid Use: A Cross-sectional Study among Gym Users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Oman Medical Journal. https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2020.28
MLA 9
Al-Harbi, Fares F., et al. "Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Anabolic-androgenic Steroid Use: A Cross-sectional Study among Gym Users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia." Oman Medical Journal, 2020. https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2020.28.
Chicago (author–date)
Al-Harbi, Fares F., Islam Gamaleddin, Ettab G. Alsubaie, and Khaled M. Al-Surimi. 2020. "Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Anabolic-androgenic Steroid Use: A Cross-sectional Study among Gym Users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia." Oman Medical Journal. https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2020.28.
Harvard
Al-Harbi, F. F., Gamaleddin, I., Alsubaie, E. G. and Al-Surimi, K. M. (2020) 'Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Anabolic-androgenic Steroid Use: A Cross-sectional Study among Gym Users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia', Oman Medical Journal. doi:10.5001/omj.2020.28.
Vancouver
Al-Harbi FF, Gamaleddin I, Alsubaie EG, Al-Surimi KM. Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Anabolic-androgenic Steroid Use: A Cross-sectional Study among Gym Users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Oman Medical Journal. 2020. doi:10.5001/omj.2020.28
IEEE
F. F. Al-Harbi, I. Gamaleddin, E. G. Alsubaie, and K. M. Al-Surimi, "Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Anabolic-androgenic Steroid Use: A Cross-sectional Study among Gym Users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia," Oman Medical Journal, 2020, doi: 10.5001/omj.2020.28.