Anabolic androgenic steroids: use and perceived use in nonathlete college students.
OBJECTIVE
The authors investigated the use and perceived use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) among nonathlete college students.


METHODS
The authors surveyed a sample of 485 nonathlete college students at a major metropolitan university.


METHODS
They administered a survey on use and perceived use of AAS to the students.


RESULTS
Forty-two participants (9%) reported using AAS (37 men, 5 women). Seniors were the most likely to use AAS (36%), and freshman the least likely (7%). Thirty-four percent of nonusers and 41% of users indicated they knew between 1 and 5 AAS users. Of the total sample, 36% perceived that 5% to 10% of nonathlete college students used AAS. Reasons for AAS use were because friends were using (7%), a desire to enhance physical appearance (45%), and a desire to increase physical performance (48%).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings may have significant implications in planning strategic preventive educational programs, and health educators should target incoming college freshmen with the intent of dissuading AAS use.
Berning
Joseph M
JM
Exercise Physiology Laboratory, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001, USA. jberning@nmsu.edu
Adams
Kent J
KJ
DeBeliso
Mark
M
Stamford
Bryant A
BA
Newman
Ian M
IM
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D013334:Students; D045165:Testosterone Congeners / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014495:Universities
D045165:Testosterone Congeners