Exploring the social lives of image and performance enhancing drugs: An online ethnography of the Zyzz fandom of recreational bodybuilders

Underwood, Mair

doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.08.012

Cited by 84 publications

(59 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Data on AAS use is generally collected via ethnographic work (Christiansen, Vinther, & Liokaftos, 2017;Underwood, 2017;van de Ven & Mulrooney, 2017) and surveys Zahnow et al, 2018) within needle and syringe programs (NSPs) or gym/bodybuilding settings. Even with the limited diversity in recruitment samples, variation in motivations for use and associated health risk behaviours have been identified (van de Ven et al, 2018;Zahnow et al, 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The modes of administration of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users: are non-injecting people who use steroids overlooked?

Ven

Zahnow

McVeigh

et al. 2019

Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy

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show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The modes of administration of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users: are non-injecting people who use steroids overlooked?

Ven

Zahnow

McVeigh

et al. 2019

Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy

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show abstract

“…This form of data collection also relies on the self-reported information and the personal experiences and opinions of the forum members, and removes the ability for researchers to ask follow-up or clarifying questions about the information which was posted. Researchers have conducted studies which have combined both virtual and offline discussions with consumers to combat the limitation of exploring virtual discussions alone [61,65], and allow for researchers to explore the behaviour under question in greater depth. However, the importance placed on knowledge and the sharing of correct information within this community acts as a protective factor against any bias or incorrect information.…”

Section: Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A focused netnographic study exploring experiences associated with counterfeit and contaminated anabolic-androgenic steroids

2020

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Background: A primary consequence of illicit drug markets and the absence of regulation is the variable quality or purity of the final product. Analysis of anabolic-androgenic steroid seizures shows that these products can contain adulterated products, product not included on the label, or product of unsatisfactory standard. While the potential negative effects of counterfeit anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) use is a recognised risk associated with use, no study has explored personal experiences associated with use. The aim of the present study was to use online discussion forums to investigate and explore the experiences associated with the purchase and consumption of counterfeit AAS among consumers. Methods: An online search was conducted to identify online forums that discussed counterfeit or contaminated AAS; three were deemed suitable for the study. The primary source of data for this study was the 'threads' from these online forums, identified using search terms including 'counterfeit', 'tampered', and 'fake'. Threads were thematically analysed for overall content, leading to the identification of themes. Results: Data from 134 threads (2743 posts from 875 unique avatars) was included. Two main themes were identified from the analysis: (1) experiences with counterfeit product and (2) harms and benefits associated with counterfeit product. Conclusions: The use of counterfeit or contaminated substances represents a public health concern. Those who report using performance and image enhancing drugs such as AAS for non-medical purposes report consuming these substances and experiencing harm as a result. Consumers take steps to limit coming into contact with counterfeit or contaminated product, though recognise that many of these have limitations. The implementation of accessible drug safety checking services may provide an opportunity to provide consumers with information to assist them with making healthier choices.

show abstract

“…This form of data collection also relies on the self-reported information and the personal experiences and opinions of the forum members, and removes the ability for researchers to ask follow-up or clarifying questions about the information which was posted. Researchers have conducted studies which have combined both virtual and o ine discussions with consumers to combat the limitation of exploring virtual discussions alone (61,65), and allows for researchers to explore the behaviour under question in greater depth. However, the importance placed on knowledge and the sharing of correct information within this community acts as a protective factor against any bias or incorrect information.…”

Section: Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A focused netnographic study exploring experiences associated with counterfeit and contaminated anabolic androgenic steroids

Frude

McKay

Dunn

2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: A primary consequence of illicit drug markets and the absence of regulation is the variable quality or purity of the final product. Analysis of anabolic-androgenic steroid seizures shows that these products can contain adulterated products, product not included on the label, or product of unsatisfactory standard. While the potential negative effects of counterfeit AAS use is a recognised risk associated with use, no study has explored personal experiences associated with use. The aim of the present study was to use online discussion forums to investigate and explore the experiences associated with the purchase and consumption of counterfeit AAS among consumers. Methods: An online search was conducted to identify online forums that discussed counterfeit or contaminated AAS; three were deemed suitable for the study. The primary source of data for this study were the ‘threads’ from these online forums, identified using search terms including ‘counterfeit’, ‘tampered’, and ‘fake’. Threads were thematically analysed for overall content, leading to the identification of themes. Results: Data from 134 threads (2743 posts from 875 unique avatars) was included. Two main themes were identified from the analysis: 1) Experiences with counterfeit product; and 2) Harms and benefits associated with counterfeit product.Conclusions: The use of counterfeit or contaminated substances represents a public health concern. Those who report using PIEDs such as AAS for non-medical purposes report consuming these substances, and experiencing harm as a result. Consumers take steps to limit coming into contact with counterfeit or contaminated product, though recognise that many of these have limitations. The implementation of accessible drug safety checking services may provide an opportunity to provide consumers with information to assist them with making healthier choices.

show abstract

Exploring the social lives of image and performance enhancing drugs: An online ethnography of the Zyzz fandom of recreational bodybuilders

Cited by 84 publications

References 15 publications

The modes of administration of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users: are non-injecting people who use steroids overlooked?

The modes of administration of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users: are non-injecting people who use steroids overlooked?

A focused netnographic study exploring experiences associated with counterfeit and contaminated anabolic-androgenic steroids

A focused netnographic study exploring experiences associated with counterfeit and contaminated anabolic androgenic steroids

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