Background Since there is a paucity of research on support for people using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS), we aimed to identify and synthesise the available evidence in this field. Gaining an understanding of the support both accessed and wanted by recreational AAS users will be of use to professionals who provide services to intravenous substance users and also to those working in the fields of public health and social care, with the aim to increase engagement of those using AAS. Methods A systematic scoping review of the literature to explore and identify the nature and scope of information and support both accessed and wanted by non-prescribed AAS users. Any support services or information designed to help people who use AAS were considered. Results We identified 23 papers and one report for review, which indicated that AAS users access a range of sources of information on: how to inject, substance effectiveness, dosages and side effects, suggesting this is the type of information users want. AAS users sought support from a range of sources including medical professionals, needle and syringe programmes, friends, dealers, and via the internet, suggesting that, different sources were used dependent on the information or support sought. Discussion AAS users tended to prefer peer advice and support over that of professionals, and access information online via specialist forums, reflecting the stigma that is experienced by AAS users. These tendencies can act as barriers to accessing services provided by professionals. Conclusions Support needs to be specific and targeted towards AAS users. Sensitivity to their perceptions of their drug-use and the associated stigma of being classified in the same sub-set as other illicit drug users is relevant to facilitating successful engagement. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7288-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are commonly used for their anabolic effects and potential detrimental consequences are well documented. Most studies focus on the motivations of increased muscle development and report increased libido as a secondary motivation. This paper aims to explore users' reports of libido as a motivator for starting and restarting AAS use. This mixed-methods study comprised questionnaires with 133 adult male AAS users (38% of selected increased libido as motivation for using), and 23 semi-structured interviews with a sub-sample. Thematic analysis identified four interlinked themes: increased libido as a motivation for starting/re-starting AAS; increased libido/sexual performance as a beneficial effect; mixed experiences with physicians regarding libido changes and hypogonadism and reduced sexual functioning and fertility after AAS cessation.Increased libido was identified as a benefit by 90% but motivations for use changed over time. Reasons for AAS use included mitigating the effects of aging particularly linked to the concept of virility. AAS as self-medication for low testosterone needs further investigation as does the idea of hegemonic masculinity as a reinforcing driver for AAS use. This study highlights the need to consider how AAS users' views of medical support impact on selfmedication choices.

The findings of this qualitative study provide insight into a range of developmental and personal variables that influence whether young adults with cerebral palsy adhere to physiotherapy programs and advice from physiotherapists, with the aim of improving the quality of services offered to such a population. The study participants included young adults with cerebral palsy between the ages of 16 and 25 years who were enrolled in a college devoted to training disabled young adults. They attended focus groups to discuss their experiences of physiotherapy. A constant comparative method was used within the grounded theory approach for the collection and analysis of data. The results demonstrate that the interaction between physiotherapist and young adult is the essential variable, with the relationship formed being built with trust, respect, and empowerment of the participant. This study offered a valuable opportunity for those often considered too vulnerable to participate in research.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are used by the general population (particularly male gym users) for their anabolic effects (increased muscle mass). Few studies have sought AAS users' views on what information and support they need. This study focuses on ideal support wanted by people who use AAS. Interviews were conducted with 23 self-declared adult AAS users. Using thematic analysis, six themes were identified aligned to support and information wanted by AAS users: (1) specific types of information wanted: managing risks, (2) mechanisms for communication of advice, (3) specific types of support wanted: medical and emotional, (4) stigmatisation of people who use AAS, (5) paying for support services, (6) legality of AAS use.Integral to the support was that it should be considered within the context of use and identity. Support needs to be specific, targeted towards AAS users ensuring that balanced and evidenced-based advice is given. Sensitivity to AAS users' perceptions of their drug-use and the stigma of being classified in the same sub-set as other illicit drug users is relevant to facilitating successful engagement. Furthermore, there is a need to consider the emotional issues surrounding AAS use and how to meet these needs.

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