The epidemiology of anabolic-androgenic steroid use among Australian secondary school students

There is evidence to suggest that the prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is higher among young people than the general population. The purpose of the current study was to examine the proportion of students who reported lifetime and past-year AAS use, explore other drug use among those who reported AAS use, and investigate demographic correlates of AAS use. Data was taken from a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of Australian secondary students. A stratified two-stage probability sampling methodology was employed and schools were randomly sampled from each Australian State and Territory. A total of 376 schools participated in the survey. Lifetime AAS use was reported by 2.4% of 12-17-year-old students; use was more common among 12-15-year olds then 16-17-year olds. Regardless of age, being male, speaking a language other than English at home, not be at school on the previous school day, and rating own scholastic ability as below average were all associated with a greater likelihood of using AAS in their lifetime and in the past year. Those who reported AAS use also reported the use of a range of other substances, suggesting that AAS use may be part of a broader experimentation with substances. Interventions towards these groups regarding AAS may best be placed within a larger substance use intervention rather than being AAS-specific. In light of the low levels of AAS use among this group, more detailed research into AAS use among adolescent sporting groups may be warranted.