Risk of HIV and Hepatitis B and C Over Time Among Men Who Inject Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs in England and Wales

Abstract

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

Anabolic androgenic steroid abuse in the United Kingdom: An update

“…Anabolic androgenic steroid users are typically in their late 20s to early 30s and most often are heterosexual males (Hope et al, ; Ip et al, ; Ip et al, ), although gay/bisexual men are overrepresented in the anabolic androgenic steroid community (42%; Van Beek & Chronister, ). Most users are single and participate in recreational exercise (Ip et al, ), largely composing of weight training (Brennan et al, ).…”

“…Although the rate of hepatitis B and C infection amongst anabolic androgenic steroid users is lower than in those injecting psychoactive substances, it is higher than the occurrence of these blood‐borne viruses in the general U.K. population. Anabolic androgenic steroid users also exhibit increased rates of HIV infection, which are equal to that of intravenous drug users (Anon, ; Hope et al, ).…”

Health risk and health seeking behaviours among people who inject performance and image enhancing drugs who access needle syringe programs in Australia

“…Australian research to date suggests that people who inject PIEDs are at lower risk of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection than people who inject analgesics and stimulants (collectively referred to as psychoactive drugs) . However, evidence from the UK indicates that HIV prevalence in this group (1–1.5%) is comparable to prevalence among those injecting psychoactive drugs . In Australia, prevalence of antibodies to HCV (anti‐HCV) is reported to be 10% among people who inject steroids , which is significantly higher than observed in the general population .…”

Anabolic steroids in the UK: an increasing issue for public health

“…Furthermore, 36% reported having redness, swelling and tenderness in the preceding year, and 6.8% had experienced an abscess or open wound at an injection site at some point in the past (Hope et al, 2015). Data from a subsequent survey (2012-2013), together with historical data were analysed, demonstrating that the blood borne virus prevalence among this population of injectors has increased, and levels of HIV are now similar to that amongst psychoactive drug injectors (Hope et al, 2016).…”