Anabolic Steroid Use and Hormonal Risks among Gym Attendees in Basra City: Prevalence, Patterns, and Awareness of Adverse Effects | ||||
| The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine | ||||
| Article 121, Volume 100, Issue 1, July 2025, Page 3393-3399 PDF (707.23 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejhm.2025.444917 | ||||
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| Abstract | ||||
| Background: This comprehensive research provides a thorough examination of the usage of anabolic steroids in weightlifting, physical performance, and bodybuilding. It addresses the growing prevalence of steroid use, particularly among teenagers and young athletes, and explores the associated side effects, such as changes in sex hormone levels, cardiovascular risks, liver damage, and psychological effects. The study also investigates the motivations behind drug usage in sports, the prevalence of steroid use in bodybuilding, and its impact on sexual function. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the percents of hormones and steroids using in the gyms and find the correlation of their use with age and time of attendance to the gym. Subjects and methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a private sports center in Basra City from 15 November 2023 to 29 May 2024. Male bodybuilders over 18 years of age, attending the center for at least six months, were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. Data collected included anabolic steroid use, training routines, dietary habits, and awareness of associated risks.A minimum sample size of 36 was calculated using the Raosoft® calculator. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel® and analyzed descriptively using MedCalc® software and SPSS version 22, with a significance threshold established at p < 0.05 . Results: The majority of gym-goers fell within the age ranges of 24-34, testosterone emerged as the most commonly used substance (72.2%), with potential adverse effects such as acne (44.4%) and gynecomastia (27.8%). The majority demonstrated low awareness regarding the adverse effects of hormone and steroid use. However, increasing awareness and knowledge are crucial in order to prevent potentially irreversible bodily effects. Conclusions: There was high percentage of gym members using steroids (25%), with recording of serious adverse effects that cause harmful effects on users. There is a good awareness about using these materials but need more tight rules to prevent their abuse. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Body-builders; Gym-attenders; Hormones; Steroids | ||||
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