Prevalence of androgenic-anabolic steroid use in adolescents in two regions of South Africa.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of androgenic-anabolic steroid (AAS) use among schoolchildren in two geographically separate regions of South Africa.


METHODS
Self-reported questionnaire.


METHODS
Standard 10 schoolchildren (16-18 years) were selected, 1,136 from region A and 1,411 from region B.


RESULTS
The prevalence of AAS use in the overall population was 14.4/1,000. There were significant differences in prevalence of AAS use between the two regions (5.9/1,000 v. 22.7/1,000; P < 0.0005). There was significantly higher use in males (28.2/1,000) compared with females (0.7/1,000) (P < 0.005). Gymnasia were the most common source of AAS. Although there were regional differences in general knowledge about AAS, general knowledge scores were low across all the groups. Male sports participants who used AAS experienced significantly higher pressure to perform than their non-user counterparts in both regions.


CONCLUSIONS
Regional differences in AAS use and general knowledge about AAS need to be considered before a meaningful programme can be implemented to reduce the use of AAS by South African schoolchildren.
MRC/UCT Bioenergetics of Exercise Research Unit, Department of Physiology, University of Cape Town.
M I
MI
Lambert
S D
SD
Titlestad
M P
MP
Schwellnus
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D045930:Anabolic Agents; D004300:Doping in Sports; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012574:Schools; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population
D045930:Anabolic Agents