Prevalence and risk factors of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse among adolescents and young adults in Poland.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse among adolescent and young adults in Poland.


METHODS
3,687 men (48.2%) and women (51.8%), median age 23 (interquartile range 19-30 years) participated in a survey via a "pop-up window" which appeared on two popular Polish internet portals during one month. Questions concerning their body image, exercise behaviour, education level and use of anabolic-androgenic steroids were asked.


RESULTS
The prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids use was 6.2% among males and 2.9% among females. Male AAS users, compared to non-users, were more often concerned about their physical appearance, were less educated and often engaged in some sport activity. Among female AAS users, no significant differences concerning self-body image satisfaction or participation in sports were found. However, compared to non-users, female AAS users were less educated.


CONCLUSIONS
The abuse of AAS is a reality in Poland and may become a serious health concern among adolescents and young adults.
Rachoń
Dominik
D
Department of Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland. drachon@amg.gda.pl
Pokrywka
Leszek
L
Suchecka-Rachoń
Krystyna
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D045930:Anabolic Agents; D001828:Body Image; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004300:Doping in Sports / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D011044:Poland; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*
D045930:Anabolic Agents