Prevalence of Anabolic Steroids among the Male Bodybuilding Athletes and Rate of Awareness to Side Effects in Shahrud

Aims: With the development of bodybuilding in Iran, abusing anabolic steroids has been a big problem. Also, the common and irreversible complications of these drugs for the athletes themselves are an important and controversial issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anabolic steroids and the awareness of male bodybuilder athletes and their coaches about the side effects of these drugs in Shahrud. Instruments and Methods: In this descriptive cross sectional study, conducted in 2012, 200 bodybuilding athletes from Shahrud were selected by random cluster sampling from 12 different gyms. A questionnaire containing demographic data, drug use status, and athletes' awareness of the complications of drugs were completed. The data were analyzed by SPSS software 18, using Chi-square test. Findings: 59.5% of the athletes used anabolic steroid, the most common of which was Nandrolone (41.5%), Testosterone (39.5%), and Prohormone (39%). 68.0% of the athletes were married. The use of dianabol, suestanol and oxymetholone tablets in married athletes was significantly higher than single ones (p<0.05). 86.2% of champion athletes had the history of using anabolic steroids. 33.6% of the athletes did not know the complications of these drugs. Conclusion: 59.5% of the male athletes in Shahrud use anabolic steroids, the most common of which is Nandrolone. High consumption and low awareness of the side effects of these drugs and the easy access of athletes to these drugs show the necessity of informing athletes and coaches about the complications of anabolic steroids and the formulation of prevention programs.