Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: Use and Perceived Use in Nonathlete College Students

Abstract

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are used not only for the enhancement of athletic prowess, but also for promoting a muscular appearance -traits that may be appealing to many non-athlete college students. Purpose: This study investigated the use and perceived use of AAS among non-athlete college students. Methods: A survey on use and perceived use of AAS was administered to a cross section of non-athlete students at a major metropolitan university. Results:Of the 485 non-athlete college students participating, 42 (9%) reported using AAS (37 males, 5 females), whereas 443 (91%) reported never using AAS. Seniors were the highest AAS users (36%) and freshman the least (7%); 76% of users were 20-22 yrs old; 34% of non-users and 41% of users knew between 1 and 5 AAS users; 33% of users and 27% of non-users perceived that less than 5% of non-athlete college students used AAS, and 36% of the total sample perceived that 5-10% of non-athlete college students used AAS. In users, 7% used AAS because their friends were using AAS, 45% wanted to enhance their physical appearance and 48% wanted to increase their physical performance. Conclusion: This study found that AAS is an occult behavior that affects non-athlete college students. College-freshman used AAS the least whereas an increase in use occurred with college sophomores, juniors and seniors. Alarmingly, 43% of the sample indicated they personally knew one or more non-athlete college students who used AAS and over one-third believed that between 5 and 10% of the college student population uses AAS. The reported purpose for AAS usage was almost split equally between enhancing physical appearance and improving athletic performance.

‘It was my thought … he made it a reality’: Normalization and responsibility in athletes’ accounts of performance-enhancing drug use

“…Alaranta et al (2006) indicates that there are differences between sports in their attitude to doping. Yet, even though this difference exists, much of the existing research has mixed competitive athlete and amateur or non-athlete populations within their samples (for example, Berning et al, 2008; Dunn et al, 2009; Laure et al, 2005; Matich, 2007; Parkinson and Evans, 2006; Perry et al, 2005). In addition, the survey methods used to obtain data on attitudes and use of PEDs have been called into question by a number of authors (Alaranta et al, 2006; Judge et al, 2010; Pope et al, 1988).…”

Anabolic–androgenic steroid effects on nociception and morphine antinociception in male rats

“…Recent research suggests that AAS use has now extended beyond professional athletes to adolescents, college students and females (Berning et al, 2008; McCabe et al, 2007; U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 2007; van den Berg et al, 2007). AAS and exercise have a strong link, because anabolic gains are maximized through the combination of AAS with exercise.…”

College Directors of Recreation's Perceptions and Practices regarding Student Use of Dietary Supplements and Performance Enhancing Substances

“…Data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey suggests 4.6% of 12th-grade males and 1.6% of 12th-grade females have taken steroid shots or pills without a doctor's prescription (Eaton, Kann, Kinchen et al, 2010). Berning et al (2008) recently surveyed 485 students at a major metropolitan university and found that 9% had previously used anabolic steroids. Seniors were the most likely users while freshman were least likely.…”