Anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse.
Substance abuse is a major public health concern. Among healthcare professionals involved in sports and exercise, a specific goal is to reduce steroid use among adolescents. According to the Healthy People 2010 report (1), the estimated percentage of US male high school seniors using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) declined from 4.7% in 1989 to 4.1% in 1997. Estimates for 1998 were lower: 2.8% for male and 0.3% for female high school seniors. Some studies have suggested that the actual usage rates are higher than published ones because of underreporting (2). The 2010 target is 0.4% (for combined male and female adolescent rates).
Koziris
L P
LP
Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203-1337, USA. koziris@coefs.coe.unt.edu.