Anabolic steroid use in high school students

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Substance Use Research

Background:

• Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use among adolescents is a growing public health concern.
• Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of AAS use is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
• Previous research indicates a potential link between AAS use and other substance use behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the lifetime prevalence of anabolic steroid use among high school students in Hordaland County, Norway.
• To investigate the association between personal acquaintance with anabolic steroid users and adolescent substance use.
• To explore the relationship between anabolic steroid use and the use of other substances, including alcohol, nicotine, and narcotics.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional internet survey was administered to 1351 high school students in Hordaland County, Norway, in 2004.
• Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing lifetime anabolic steroid use, acquaintance with anabolic steroid users, anxiety, depression, and alcohol, nicotine, and narcotic use.
• Demographic information was also collected.

Main Results:

• The lifetime prevalence of anabolic steroid use was 3.6% for males and 0.6% for females.
• Approximately 27.9% of students reported knowing at least one anabolic steroid user.
• Anabolic steroid use and acquaintance with users were strongly associated with higher rates of alcohol, nicotine, and narcotic use.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent anabolic steroid use, though relatively low in prevalence, is linked to broader patterns of substance misuse.
• Peer influence and social networks appear to play a significant role in adolescent anabolic steroid experimentation.
• Prevention programs should address the interconnectedness of various substance use behaviors in adolescents.