Two sides of the same coin: A qualitative exploration of experiential and perceptual factors which influence the clinical interaction between physicians and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid using patients in the UK

Ainsworth, Neha Prasad; Thrower, Sam N.; Petróczi, Andrea

doi:10.1016/j.etdah.2022.100033

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 67 publications

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“…The findings of younger androgen use initiation age, and lower educational attainment, education years, IQ, and knowledge of androgen effects can also be interpreted in light of problem behavior theory [5] as explained previously. Additionally, the higher proportion of recreational athletes in dependents compared to nondependents is in line with metaanalytic evidence [9] showing that recreational athletes constitute the largest subgroup of androgen users, which is understandable from an antidoping perspective [58]. Also, the identified androgen use characteristics such as more types of androgens used and higher doses among dependents compared to nondependents is in line with the body image [2,3] and allostatic [4] models of androgen dependence.…”

Section: Correlates Of Androgen Dependencesupporting

confidence: 72%

“…Preventive efforts highlighting the substantial evidence of the high prevalence of androgen dependence and associated syndromes can be effective in deterring initiation. A recent qualitative study [58] identified barriers among androgen users (e.g., riskiness of disclosure) and healthcare professionals (e.g., lack of knowledge, guidelines, and resources) regarding healthcare access and provision for androgen users. Addressing these factors can foster sustained clinical interaction between androgen users and healthcare professionals, leading to effective harm reduction and treatment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prevalence and correlates of androgen dependence: a meta-analysis, meta-regression analysis and qualitative synthesis

Skauen,

Pallesen,

Bjørnebekk

et al. 2023

Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes &Amp; Obesity

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Purpose of review To investigate the prevalence and correlates of androgen dependence among users. A meta-analysis, meta-regression analysis, and qualitative synthesis were conducted based on a systematic literature search in Google Scholar, ISO Web of Science, PsycNET, and PubMed. Recent findings Twenty-six studies were included in the review and 18 studies (N = 1782) in the statistical analysis. The overall lifetime androgen dependence prevalence was 34.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 27.8–41.7, Q = 113.1, I 2 = 85.0, P < 0.001]. Although males (36.1%, P < 0.001) and females (37.0%, P = 0.188) did not differ (Q = 0.0, P = 0.930) in dependence prevalence, controlling for other study characteristics, higher study male sample proportion was related to higher dependence prevalence. Combined interview and questionnaire assessments showed higher prevalence compared to interviews only. Publications from 1990–1999 generated higher prevalence compared to 2000–2009 and 2010–2023 publications. Dependents were associated with a wide array of demographic inequalities, and biophysical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial problems. Summary One of three persons who initiate androgen use experiences dependence along with various serious disorders. Androgen use and dependence should be considered an important public health issue requiring targeted health interventions.

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Section: Correlates Of Androgen Dependencesupporting

confidence: 72%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and correlates of androgen dependence: a meta-analysis, meta-regression analysis and qualitative synthesis

Skauen,

Pallesen,

Bjørnebekk

et al. 2023

Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes &Amp; Obesity

Self Cite

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show abstract

“…However, these data also offer promise, given that AAS consumer experiences with community pharmacies are reportedly generally positive. These insights provide a potential avenue for 'rebuilding' a lack of trust between AAS consumers and healthcare professionals which has been longstanding [23,57,[64][65][66]. Further, given the calls from scholars to look beyond simply dispensing safe-injecting equipment [67,68], there is an urgent need for further exploration of healthcare provision meeting broader needs of people who use AAS.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the role of community pharmacies as a harm reduction environment for anabolic–androgenic steroid consumers: triangulating the perspectives of consumers and pharmacists

Piatkowski,

Benn,

Ayurzana

et al. 2024

Harm Reduct J

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Background While community pharmacies have been successful in providing harm reduction support for illicit substance consumers, little research has explored their role in addressing the needs of anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) consumers. Objective This study aimed to triangulate the attitudes and experiences of AAS consumers and community pharmacist’s regarding AAS harm reduction. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with AAS consumers (n = 8) and community pharmacists (n = 15) between December 2022 and August 2023 in Australia. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results While consumers emphasised easy access to pharmacies, particularly in urban areas, challenges were noted in rural regions. AAS consumers expressed a preference for community pharmacies, perceiving them as less confronting and a feasible avenue for accessing professional advice, highlighting the potential role of pharmacists in nurturing therapeutic alliances with AAS consumers. Similarly, pharmacists expressed receptivity to providing harm reduction information but acknowledged knowledge gaps, suggesting a need for tailored education programs to support AAS consumers effectively. Conclusions Community pharmacies can be an important environment for AAS harm reduction. Strategies include utilising private spaces for open discussions with AAS consumers and enhancing pharmacists' understanding of AAS to foster trust and support. Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps and training needs for pharmacy staff, with the aim of creating a safer environment for AAS consumers.

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“…Recent studies interviewing both androgen abusers and healthcare professionals has further evaluated this; Ainsworth et al undertook semi-structured interviews with androgen abusers and physicians to evaluate each groups perception of the other [ 22 ▪▪ ]. Within the androgen abusing group the themes that emerged regarding physicians was a lack of knowledge, fear of stigma and disclosure of use but an overall want and need for collaboration with physicians in managing risks associated with androgen abuse.…”

Section: Relationship Between Healthcare Professionals and Androgen A...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of recent evidence on androgen abuse from interviews with users

Grant,

Minhas,

Jayasena

2023

Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes &Amp; Obesity

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Purpose of review Androgens (also known as anabolic–androgenic steroids; AAS) are increasingly being abused worldwide to enhance body physique or athletic performance. Qualitative studies including interviews provide a wider understanding of androgen abuse and focus specific support needs to this group. This narrative review summarizes recent studies (2021–2023) using interviews with individuals abusing androgens. Recent findings Motivations for androgen abuse in men include desires to achieve certain physicality, enhance self-confidence and improve libido. The risks of androgen abuse are justified to achieve these outcomes and men may use other illicit substances as postcycle-therapy to lessen the risks. Some adverse effects may be more pronounced with certain substances. The therapeutic relationship with healthcare professionals is often described negatively by androgen abusers due to stigma and a perceived lack of knowledge. Both healthcare professionals and androgen abusers agree that development of guidelines are needed. Androgen abuse in women is rare however body dissatisfaction and desires for improve appearance and strength are motivators. Summary Recent qualitative studies have helped further our understanding of men and women who abuse androgens, however the small number of recently published studies confirms there is still a paucity of evidence in the literature. Further research is needed to develop specific harm minimization strategies in those abusing androgens.

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Two sides of the same coin: A qualitative exploration of experiential and perceptual factors which influence the clinical interaction between physicians and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid using patients in the UK

Cited by 7 publications

References 67 publications

Prevalence and correlates of androgen dependence: a meta-analysis, meta-regression analysis and qualitative synthesis

Prevalence and correlates of androgen dependence: a meta-analysis, meta-regression analysis and qualitative synthesis

Exploring the role of community pharmacies as a harm reduction environment for anabolic–androgenic steroid consumers: triangulating the perspectives of consumers and pharmacists

A review of recent evidence on androgen abuse from interviews with users

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