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Smoliga JM, Wilber ZT, Robinson BT. Premature Death in Bodybuilders: What Do We Know? Sports Med 2023; 53:933-948. [PMID: 36715876 PMCID: PMC9885939 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01801-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Premature deaths in bodybuilders regularly make headlines and are cited as evidence that bodybuilding is a dangerous activity. A wealth of research has revealed elite athletes typically enjoy lower mortality rates than non-athletes, but research on bodybuilder lifespan is surprisingly limited. Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use is commonly cited as a key contributor to morbidity and premature mortality in bodybuilders, but this area of research is highly nuanced and influenced by numerous confounders unique to bodybuilding. It is quite possible that bodybuilders are at elevated risk and that AAS use is the primary reason for this, but there remains much unknown in this realm. As global participation in bodybuilding increases, and healthcare providers play a more active role in monitoring bodybuilder health, there is a need to identify how numerous factors associated with bodybuilding ultimately influence short- and long-term health and mortality rate. In this Current Opinion, we discuss what is currently known about the bodybuilder lifespan, identify the nuances of the literature regarding bodybuilder health and AAS use, and provide recommendations for future research on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Smoliga
- Department of Physical Therapy, One University Parkway, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268 USA
| | - Z. Taggart Wilber
- Department of Physical Therapy, One University Parkway, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268 USA ,Helix Performance Recovery, Wellington, FL USA
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2
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Anderson DJ, Vazirnia P, Loehr C, Sternfels W, Hasoon J, Viswanath O, Kaye AD, Urits I. Testosterone Replacement Therapy in the Treatment of Depression. Health Psychol Res 2022; 10:38956. [PMID: 36452903 PMCID: PMC9704723 DOI: 10.52965/001c.38956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a common disorder that affects millions globally and is linked to reduced quality of life and mortality. Its pathophysiology is complex and there are several forms of treatment proposed in the literature with differing side effect profiles. Many patients do not respond to treatment which warrants augmentation with other treatments and the investigation of novel treatments. One of these treatments includes testosterone therapy which evidence suggests might improve depressed mood in older patients with low levels of testosterone and helps restore physical impairments caused by age-related hormonal changes. OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to synthesize information regarding clinical depression, its treatment options, and the efficacy and safety of testosterone treatment for the treatment of depression. METHODS This review utilized comprehensive secondary and tertiary data analysis across many academic databases and published work pertaining to the topic of interest. RESULTS Within some subpopulations such as men with dysthymic disorder, treatment resistant depression, or low testosterone levels, testosterone administration yielded positive results in the treatment of depression. Additionally, rodent models have shown that administering testosterone to gonadectomized male animals reduces symptoms of depression. Conversely, some studies have found no difference in depressive symptoms after treatment with testosterone when compared with placebo. It was also noted that over administration of testosterone is associated with multiple adverse effects and complications. CONCLUSION The current evidence provides mixed conclusions on the effectiveness of testosterone therapy for treating depression. More research is needed in adult men to see if declining testosterone levels directly influence the development of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Catherine Loehr
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
| | - Whitney Sternfels
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
| | - Jamal Hasoon
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Omar Viswanath
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants, Envision Physician Services; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix; Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
| | - Ivan Urits
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
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3
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Petrovic A, Vukadin S, Sikora R, Bojanic K, Smolic R, Plavec D, Wu GY, Smolic M. Anabolic androgenic steroid-induced liver injury: An update. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3071-3080. [PMID: 36051334 PMCID: PMC9331524 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i26.3071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are a group of molecules including endogenous testosterone and synthetic derivatives that have both androgenic and anabolic effects. These properties make them therapeutically beneficial in medical conditions such as hypogonadism. However, they are commonly bought illegally and misused for their anabolic, skeletal muscle building, and performance-enhancing effects. Supraphysiologic and long-term use of AASs affects all organs, leading to cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal, and hematologic disorders. Hepatotoxicity is one of the major concerns regarding AASs treatment and abuse. Testosterone and its derivatives have been most often shown to induce a specific form of cholestasis, peliosis hepatis, and hepatic benign and malignant tumors. It is currently believed that mechanisms of pathogenesis of these disorders include disturbance of antioxidative factors, upregulation of bile acid synthesis, and induction of hepatocyte hyperplasia. Most toxicity cases are treated with supportive measures and liver function normalizes with discontinuation of AAS. However, some long-term consequences are irreversible. AAS-induced liver injury should be taken in consideration in patients with liver disorders, especially with the increasing unintentional ingestion of supplements containing AAS. In this paper, we review the most current knowledge about AAS-associated adverse effects on the liver, and their clinical presentations, prevalence, and pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Petrovic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek 31000, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek 31000, Croatia
| | - Sonja Vukadin
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek 31000, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek 31000, Croatia
| | - Renata Sikora
- Department of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek 31000, Croatia
- Department of Dental Medicine, Health Center Osijek-Baranja County, Osijek 31000, Croatia
| | - Kristina Bojanic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Neurosurgery and Radiology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek 31000, Croatia
- Department of Biophysics and Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek 31000, Croatia
- Department of Radiology, Health Center Osijek-Baranja County, Osijek 31000, Croatia
| | - Robert Smolic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek 31000, Croatia
| | - Davor Plavec
- Research Department, Srebrnjak Children's Hospital, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - George Y Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastrenterology/Hepatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, United States
| | - Martina Smolic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek 31000, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek 31000, Croatia
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4
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Fraser S, Fomiatti R, Moore D, Seear K, Aitken C. Is another relationship possible? Connoisseurship and the doctor–patient relationship for men who consume performance and image-enhancing drugs. Soc Sci Med 2020; 246:112720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Fomiatti R, Lenton E, Latham JR, Fraser S, Moore D, Seear K, Aitken C. Maintaining the healthy body: Blood management and hepatitis C prevention among men who inject performance and image-enhancing drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 75:102592. [PMID: 31855731 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Australia's ambitious aim to 'eliminate' hepatitis C as a public health concern by 2030 requires researchers, policy makers and health practitioners to engage with populations rarely identified as a priority. Men who inject performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) are one such population, yet research suggests they have low rates of knowledge about hepatitis C. Although rates of needle-sharing in this group are thought to be low, other risks of blood-to-blood contact exist due to the use of large-gauge needles, intramuscular injecting, hard-to-reach injection sites, repeated injecting and peer-to-peer injecting. How should health initiatives engage people who might not customarily consider themselves vulnerable to hepatitis C? Drawing on the work of body theorist Margrit Shildrick, this article considers how men who inject PIEDs understand their bodies, with a particular focus on injecting practices, blood awareness and infection control, in order to inform hepatitis C prevention efforts. In our analysis, we draw on qualitative interviews with 60 men who inject PIEDs, which we conducted for an Australian Research Council-funded project focused on better understanding PIED injecting to improve health and minimise hepatitis C transmission. The interviews suggest that men who inject PIEDs closely monitor potential external infection risks, such as dirt and bacteria that might intrude upon the 'purity and security' of the body. However, less attention appears to be paid to what might be transferred out of the body and potentially to others, such as blood. Notions of trust and cleanliness, and normative perceptions of intravenous drug use, also shaped injecting practices and cursory attention to blood management. While environmental transmission poses a smaller transmission risk than needle-sharing, educating PIED consumers about it is nevertheless warranted. Focusing targeted health promotion materials on environmental blood as a potential route of hepatitis C transmission may help engage this population in prevention, and encourage more frequent hepatitis C testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renae Fomiatti
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia.
| | - Emily Lenton
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - J R Latham
- Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia; School of Culture and Communication, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Suzanne Fraser
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - David Moore
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia; National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Kate Seear
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; Faculty of Law, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Campbell Aitken
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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6
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The unintended consequences of emphasising blood-borne virus in research on, and services for, people who inject image and performance enhancing drugs: A commentary based on enhanced bodybuilder perspectives. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 67:19-23. [PMID: 30844641 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) are an established focus of drug research and harm reduction. While a focus on BBVs has been applied to people who inject image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs), research has demonstrated that there are significant differences between this group and people who inject other drugs. Furthermore, the literature on BBVs and IPED use has been misrepresented by the media and harm reduction programs, with significant consequences for how some people who inject IPEDs view academic research and health services. It seems time to ask, is our current approach to the issue of BBV among people who inject IPEDs the most appropriate, and are there ways that it could be improved to ensure that there are no unintended consequences? In this commentary I suggest ways research and harm reduction efforts could tackle the issue of BBV without exacerbating existing divides between people who inject IPEDs and the health and academic communities. These suggestions are based on the views of the enhanced bodybuilders with whom I am privileged to work.
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8
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Platt L, Sweeney S, Ward Z, Guinness L, Hickman M, Hope V, Hutchinson S, Maher L, Iversen J, Craine N, Taylor A, Munro A, Parry J, Smith J, Vickerman P. Assessing the impact and cost-effectiveness of needle and syringe provision and opioid substitution therapy on hepatitis C transmission among people who inject drugs in the UK: an analysis of pooled data sets and economic modelling. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.3310/phr05050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
There is limited evidence of the impact of needle and syringe programmes (NSPs) and opioid substitution therapy (OST) on hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID), nor have there been any economic evaluations.
Objective(s)
To measure (1) the impact of NSP and OST, (2) changes in the extent of provision of both interventions, and (3) costs and cost-effectiveness of NSPs on HCV infection transmission.
Design
We conducted (1) a systematic review; (2) an analysis of existing data sets, including collating costs of NSPs; and (3) a dynamic deterministic model to estimate the impact of differing OST/NSP intervention coverage levels for reducing HCV infection prevalence, incidence and disease burden, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios to measure the cost-effectiveness of current NSP provision versus no provision.
Setting
Cost-effectiveness analysis and impact modelling in three UK sites. The pooled analysis drew on data from the UK and Australia. The review was international.
Participants
PWID.
Interventions
NSP coverage (proportion of injections covered by clean needles) and OST.
Outcome
New cases of HCV infection.
Results
The review suggested that OST reduced the risk of HCV infection acquisition by 50% [rate ratio (RR) 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.63]. Weaker evidence was found in areas of high (≥ 100%) NSP coverage (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.54) internationally. There was moderate evidence for combined high coverage of NSPs and OST (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.65). The pooled analysis showed that combined high coverage of NSPs and OST reduced the risk of HCV infection acquisition by 29–71% compared with those on minimal harm reduction (no OST, ≤ 100% NSP coverage). NSPs are likely to be cost-effective and are cost-saving in some settings. The impact modelling suggest that removing OST (current coverage 81%) and NSPs (coverage 54%) in one site would increase HCV infection incidence by 329% [95% credible interval (CrI) 110% to 953%] in 2031 and at least double (132% increase; 95% CrI 51% to 306%) the number of new infections over 15 years. Increasing NSP coverage to 80% has the largest impact in the site with the lowest current NSP coverage (35%), resulting in a 27% (95% CrI 7% to 43%) decrease in new infections and 41% (95% CrI 11% to 72%) decrease in incidence by 2031 compared with 2016. Addressing homelessness and reducing the harm associated with the injection of crack cocaine could avert approximately 60% of HCV infections over the next 15 years.
Limitations
Findings are limited by the misclassification of NSP coverage and the simplified intervention definition that fails to capture the integrated services that address other social and health needs as part of this.
Conclusions
There is moderate evidence of the effectiveness of OST and NSPs, especially in combination, on HCV infection acquisition risk. Policies to ensure that NSPs can be accessed alongside OST are needed. NSPs are cost-saving in some sites and cost-effective in others. NSPs and OST are likely to prevent considerable rates of HCV infection in the UK. Increasing NSP coverage will have most impact in settings with low coverage. Scaling up other interventions such as HCV infection treatment are needed to decrease epidemics to low levels in higher prevalence settings.
Future work
To understand the mechanisms through which NSPs and OST achieve their effect and the optimum contexts to support implementation.
Funding
The National Institute for Health Research Public Health Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Platt
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sedona Sweeney
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Zoe Ward
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lorna Guinness
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Vivian Hope
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Sharon Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lisa Maher
- Viral Hepatitis Epidemiology and Prevention Program, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny Iversen
- Viral Hepatitis Epidemiology and Prevention Program, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Noel Craine
- Health Protection Division, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Avril Taylor
- School of Media Society and Culture, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Alison Munro
- School of Social Science, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - John Parry
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Josie Smith
- Health Protection Division, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Wheeler KM, Antoniou T, Gardner S, Light L, Grewal R, Globerman J, Husbands W, Burchell AN. Sociodemographic and Health Profile of Heterosexual Men Living With HIV in Ontario, Canada. Am J Mens Health 2017. [PMID: 28625119 PMCID: PMC5675339 DOI: 10.1177/1557988317696639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In Ontario, Canada, the number of heterosexual men living with HIV has increased over time, yet they remain an understudied population. The study objective was to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of this population, using data from a multisite clinical cohort of patients receiving HIV care. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of men interviewed between 2010 and 2012 were compared according to their self-identified sexual orientation, followed by multivariable linear and logistic regression to assess the association of sexual orientation with CD4 cell count, viral load, hepatitis C co-infection, self-rated health, and mental health concerns after adjustment for covariates. A total of 552 men identified as heterosexual, 2,023 as gay, and 171 as bisexual. Compared to gay and bisexual men, heterosexual men were more likely to have been born outside of Canada (34.8%); more likely to report African, Caribbean, or Black ethnicity (26.4%) or Indigenous ethnicity (13.6%); and more likely to have low socioeconomic status (59.5% earning less than $20,000 per year), and/or a history of injection drug use (31.7%). Relative to gay men, heterosexual men had 5.19 times the odds of co-infection with hepatitis C virus regardless of injection drug use history (95% confidence interval = 3.87-6.96), and 40% lower odds of rating their health as excellent or good (95% confidence interval = 0.50-0.84). HIV-positive heterosexual men in Ontario constituted a socially marginalized group characterized by a high prevalence of injection drug use history and hepatitis C co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tony Antoniou
- 2 St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,3 University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra Gardner
- 3 University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,4 Baycrest Health Science, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lucia Light
- 1 Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Ann N Burchell
- 2 St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,3 University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Rowe R, Berger I, Yaseen B, Copeland J. Risk and blood-borne virus testing among men who inject image and performance enhancing drugs, Sydney, Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017; 36:658-666. [PMID: 28244160 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Needle and syringe program (NSP) workers have highlighted that people who inject image and performance enhancing drugs (IPED) in Australia are a younger and more culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) group compared with other groups who inject drugs. Previous research has found riskier injecting practices and faster Hepatitis C acquisition rates among people who are new to injecting drugs and self-identify with CALD backgrounds, compared with their Anglo-Australian counterparts. Given recent indications of increasing IPED prevalence in Australia and elsewhere, this study sought to update knowledge of infection risk among a large group of IPED injectors, as well as explore sub-group differences. DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey of men who inject IPEDs was conducted from September 2014 to January 2015 at nine NSP sites, across five local health districts in Sydney, Australia. RESULTS Six hundred and five people participated. Small proportions reported previous 12month needle or syringe sharing (2.3%), sharing vials (4.6%), injecting psychostimulants (5.1%) or personal needle or syringe reuse (5.2%). Participants from CALD backgrounds were more likely to report sharing needles or syringes (P = 0.004), and participants from Middle Eastern and North African backgrounds were less likely to have ever been tested for blood-borne viruses, compared with Anglo-Australian participants (P = 0.04). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The findings show that some groups who inject IPEDs may be more vulnerable to blood-borne virus transmission and/or less likely to know their blood-borne virus status. From design to delivery, IPED harm minimisation strategies should pay attention to the needs of CALD groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Rowe
- Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Israel Berger
- Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bilal Yaseen
- Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jan Copeland
- National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre, UNSW Medicine, Sydney, Australia
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Rowe R, Berger I, Copeland J. “No pain, no gainz”? Performance and image-enhancing drugs, health effects and information seeking. DRUGS-EDUCATION PREVENTION AND POLICY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2016.1207752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Rowe
- Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre, Redfern, NSW, Australia and
| | - Israel Berger
- Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre, Redfern, NSW, Australia and
| | - Jan Copeland
- National Cannabis Information and Prevention Centre, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Dunn M, Henshaw R, McKay FH. Do performance and image enhancing drug users in regional Queensland experience difficulty accessing health services? Drug Alcohol Rev 2015; 35:377-82. [PMID: 26644363 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM To understand health service access and needs of people who use performance and image enhancing drugs (PIED) in regional Queensland. DESIGN AND METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 people (n = 19 men) who reported the use of a range of PIEDs, including anabolic-androgenic steroids, human chorionic gonadotropin, growth hormone, clenbuterol, tamoxifen, insulin and peptides. RESULTS Participants reported accessing a range of services, including needle and syringe programs and pharmacies, for sterile injecting equipment. While PIEDs users attributed some stigma to needle and syringe programs, they were seen as an important service for injecting equipment. Participants reported receiving either positive care from health-care providers, such as general practitioners (GP), or having negative experiences due to the stigma attached with PIED use. Few participants reported disclosing their PIED use to their GP not only because of the concerns that their GP would no longer see them but also because they felt their GP was not knowledgeable about these substances. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Participants in the study reported no difficulty in accessing health services based on living in a regional area, with their concern focused more upon how they were viewed and treated by service staff. [Dunn M, Henshaw R, Mckay F. H. Do performance and image enhancing drug users in regional Queensland experience difficulty accessing health services? Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:377-382].
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dunn
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia.,National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Fiona H McKay
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
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13
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Ip EJ, Yadao MA, Shah BM, Lau B. Infectious disease, injection practices, and risky sexual behavior among anabolic steroid users. AIDS Care 2015; 28:294-9. [PMID: 26422090 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1090539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are commonly misused to increase muscle size and strength, as well as improve physical appearance. Many AAS and certain PEDs are administered via injection and therefore pose a risk for transmission of infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Further, AAS users may be more likely to take part in high-risk sexual behaviors than non-AAS users. This review explores the prevalence of infectious diseases as well as risky injection practices and sexual behaviors of AAS users in the current literature. A comprehensive MEDLINE search (1984-17 April 2015) for English language reports was performed on AAS users. Ten studies analyzed the prevalence of HIV infection, 6 studies analyzed HBV infection, and 6 studies analyzed HCV infection; 20 studies analyzed injection practices and 7 studies analyzed high-risk sexual behaviors of AAS users. HIV, HBV, HCV, and SSTIs have been associated with AAS users. In particular, HIV infection seems much higher among homosexual male AAS users. AAS users also take part in high-risk injection practices but to a much lower extent than intravenous drug users. AAS users are also more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors than the general population. Clinicians and health-policy leaders may utilize these findings to implement strategies to decrease the spread of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Ip
- a Department of Clinical Sciences , Touro University California College of Pharmacy , Vallejo , CA , USA
| | - Michael A Yadao
- a Department of Clinical Sciences , Touro University California College of Pharmacy , Vallejo , CA , USA
| | - Bijal M Shah
- b Department of Social , Behavioral, and Administrative Sciences, Touro University California College of Pharmacy , Vallejo , CA , USA
| | - Bonnie Lau
- c Department of Emergency Medicine , Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center , Santa Clara , CA , USA.,d Division of Emergency Medicine , Stanford University School of Medicine , Palo Alto , CA , USA
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14
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Mhillaj E, Morgese MG, Tucci P, Bove M, Schiavone S, Trabace L. Effects of anabolic-androgens on brain reward function. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:295. [PMID: 26379484 PMCID: PMC4549565 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens are mainly prescribed to treat several diseases caused by testosterone deficiency. However, athletes try to promote muscle growth by manipulating testosterone levels or assuming androgen anabolic steroids (AAS). These substances were originally synthesized to obtain anabolic effects greater than testosterone. Although AAS are rarely prescribed compared to testosterone, their off-label utilization is very wide. Furthermore, combinations of different steroids and doses generally higher than those used in therapy are common. Symptoms of the chronic use of supra-therapeutic doses of AAS include anxiety, depression, aggression, paranoia, distractibility, confusion, amnesia. Interestingly, some studies have shown that AAS elicited electroencephalographic changes similar to those observed with amphetamine abuse. The frequency of side effects is higher among AAS abusers, with psychiatric complications such as labile mood, lack of impulse control and high violence. On the other hand, AAS addiction studies are complex because data collection is very difficult due to the subjects' reticence and can be biased by many variables, including physical exercise, that alter the reward system. Moreover, it has been reported that AAS may imbalance neurotransmitter systems involved in the reward process, leading to increased sensitivity toward opioid narcotics and central stimulants. The goal of this article is to review the literature on steroid abuse and changes to the reward system in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Mhillaj
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Maria G Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Bove
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy
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Seear K, Fraser S, Moore D, Murphy D. Understanding and responding to anabolic steroid injecting and hepatitis C risk in Australia: A research agenda. DRUGS-EDUCATION PREVENTION AND POLICY 2015. [DOI: 10.3109/09687637.2015.1061975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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van Beek I, Chronister KJ. Performance and image enhancing drug injectors' access to needle syringe programs: Responding to a public policy dilemma. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:868-74. [PMID: 26118797 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of people who inject performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) attending Australian needle syringe programs (NSPs) has increased recently with cost and capacity implications for this already stretched public health program. The need to prioritise populations' NSP access poses dilemmas for a program that has always sought to minimise entry barriers. METHODS To assess their injecting-related risk of HIV and HCV, the Kirketon Road Centre (KRC) surveyed PIEDs injectors attending its two NSPs in inner Sydney in late 2013. Demographic, injecting risk, HIV and HCV testing, and NSP access data were analysed and then compared with similar data collected in the Australian Needle Syringe Program Survey (ANSPS) and the NSW NSP Enhanced Data Collection (NNEDC) survey conducted in the state of NSW in the same time period. RESULTS PIEDs injectors surveyed (n=103) were predominantly male (99%) and only one reported ever receptive needle syringe sharing any injecting equipment. KRC participants were similar to the other survey populations in having rarely ever injected intravenously (6%); being tested for HIV and HCV in the last year (44% and 32% respectively), and reporting low rates of HCV (0%). But they were much more likely to be gay or bisexual (42% vs 2% and 4% in the NSW surveys, p<0.001). Compared to their heterosexual counterparts at KRC, this subgroup was older (35 vs 31 years, p=0.011), and more likely to: have been injecting for <3 years (70% vs 44%, p=0.025); to have ever been tested for HIV (88% vs 46%, p<0.001); to have been tested for HIV and HCV in the last year (72% vs 24%, p<0.001 and 51% vs 19%, p=0.001 respectively); and to report being HIV positive (9% vs 0%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS PIEDs injectors with no other risk factors were at low risk of HIV and HCV, informing KRC's more targeted approach to their health needs. This included providing PIEDs-focused health information and promoting more frequent BBI testing, while encouraging injecting equipment access through other legal sources. This is a case study of how evidence can help resolve public policy dilemmas at the local level, thereby ensuring that scarce public health resources continue to be directed towards those people who inject drugs most at risk of BBIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid van Beek
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, PO Box 22, Kings Cross, NSW 1340, Australia; School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Karen J Chronister
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, PO Box 22, Kings Cross, NSW 1340, Australia; Viral Hepatitis Epidemiology and Prevention Program, Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Dunn M, McKay FH, Iversen J. Steroid users and the unique challenge they pose to needle and syringe program workers. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015; 33:71-7. [PMID: 24400704 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Needle and syringe programs (NSP), which provide sterile injecting equipment, are a cornerstone of Australia's drug harm reduction strategy and assist in reducing the spread of blood-borne virus infections, such as HIV and hepatitis C, among people who inject drugs. Some reports suggest that steroid users are an increasing proportion of clientele at NSPs. In this research, we investigate the experience of NSP workers who come into contact with people who use steroids and other performance- and image-enhancing drugs (PIED). DESIGN AND METHOD Thirteen NSP workers were recruited using purposive sampling strategies. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded for themes. RESULTS There are three key findings of this study. Firstly, NSP workers do not feel well informed about the substances that PIED users are injecting. Secondly, they were unsure what equipment PIED users required. Thirdly, PIED users were perceived to differ from other client groups, and these differences impacted upon the level of rapport staff could build with this group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION PIED users pose unique challenges for NSP workers compared with other NSP client groups. The PIEDs used and the way in which they are used are substantially different compared with other NSP clients, and there appears to be a lack of knowledge within the workforce about these substances. This study highlights the need to engage in workforce training, but also the need to more effectively engage with PIED users in relation to effective harm reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dunn
- Faculty of Health, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Centre for Health through Action on Social Exclusion, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Schwingel PA, Cotrim HP, Santos CRD, Santos AOD, Andrade ARCFD, Carruego MVVB, Zoppi CC. Recreational Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use Associated With Liver Injuries Among Brazilian Young Men. Subst Use Misuse 2015; 50:1490-8. [PMID: 26549387 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2015.1018550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recreational use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) has reached alarming levels among healthy people. However, several complications have been related to consumption of these drugs, including liver disorders. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of liver injuries in young Brazilian recreational AAS users. METHODS Between February/2007 and May/2012 asymptomatic bodybuilders who were ≥18 years old and reported AAS use for ≥6 months were enrolled. All had clinical evaluations, abdominal ultrasound (AUS), and blood tests. RESULTS 182 individuals were included in the study. The median age (interquartile range) was 26.0 years (22.0-30.0) and all were male. Elevated liver enzyme levels were observed in 38.5% (n = 70) of AAS users, and creatine phosphokinase was normal in 27.1% (n = 19) of them. Hepatic steatosis was observed by AUS in 12.1% of the sample. One individual had focal nodular hyperplasia and another had hepatocellular adenoma. One case each of hepatitis B and C virus infection was found. A diagnosis of toxic liver injury was suggested in 23 (12.6%) AAS users without a history of alcohol or other medications/drugs consumption, or evidence of other liver diseases. CONCLUSIONS/IMPORTANCE Young Brazilian recreational AAS users presented a wide spectrum of liver injuries that included hepatotoxicity, fatty liver, and liver neoplasm. They also presented risk factors for liver diseases such as alcohol consumption and hepatitis B and C virus infection. The results suggest that the risk of AAS use for the liver may be greater than the esthetic benefits, and demonstrate the importance of screening AAS users for liver injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Adriano Schwingel
- a Post-graduation Program in Medicine and Health , Universidade Federal da Bahia , Canela , Brazil
| | - Helma Pinchemel Cotrim
- a Post-graduation Program in Medicine and Health , Universidade Federal da Bahia , Canela , Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Cláudio Cesar Zoppi
- b Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional , Universidade Estadual de Campinas , Campinas , Brazil
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Kimergård A, McVeigh J. Variability and dilemmas in harm reduction for anabolic steroid users in the UK: a multi-area interview study. Harm Reduct J 2014; 11:19. [PMID: 24986546 PMCID: PMC4098923 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-11-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The UK continues to experience a rise in the number of anabolic steroid-using clients attending harm reduction services such as needle and syringe programmes. Methods The present study uses interviews conducted with harm reduction service providers as well as illicit users of anabolic steroids from different areas of England and Wales to explore harm reduction for this group of drug users, focussing on needle distribution policies and harm reduction interventions developed specifically for this population of drug users. Results The article addresses the complexity of harm reduction service delivery, highlighting different models of needle distribution, such as peer-led distribution networks, as well as interventions available in steroid clinics, including liver function testing of anabolic steroid users. Aside from providing insights into the function of interventions available to steroid users, along with principles adopted by service providers, the study found significant tensions and dilemmas in policy implementation due to differing perspectives between service providers and service users relating to practices, risks and effective interventions. Conclusion The overarching finding of the study was the tremendous variability across harm reduction delivery sites in terms of available measures and mode of operation. Further research into the effectiveness of different policies directed towards people who use anabolic steroids is critical to the development of harm reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kimergård
- Addictions Department, National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 4 Windsor Walk, London SE5 8BB, UK.
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Pope HG, Wood RI, Rogol A, Nyberg F, Bowers L, Bhasin S. Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:341-75. [PMID: 24423981 PMCID: PMC4026349 DOI: 10.1210/er.2013-1058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use, media attention has focused almost entirely on PED use by elite athletes to illicitly gain a competitive advantage in sports, and not on the health risks of PEDs. There is a widespread misperception that PED use is safe or that adverse effects are manageable. In reality, the vast majority of PED users are not athletes but rather nonathlete weightlifters, and the adverse health effects of PED use are greatly underappreciated. This scientific statement synthesizes available information on the medical consequences of PED use, identifies gaps in knowledge, and aims to focus the attention of the medical community and policymakers on PED use as an important public health problem. PED users frequently consume highly supraphysiologic doses of PEDs, combine them with other PEDs and/or other classical drugs of abuse, and display additional associated risk factors. PED use has been linked to an increased risk of death and a wide variety of cardiovascular, psychiatric, metabolic, endocrine, neurologic, infectious, hepatic, renal, and musculoskeletal disorders. Because randomized trials cannot ethically duplicate the large doses of PEDs and the many factors associated with PED use, we need observational studies to collect valid outcome data on the health risks associated with PEDs. In addition, we need studies regarding the prevalence of PED use, the mechanisms by which PEDs exert their adverse health effects, and the interactive effects of PEDs with sports injuries and other high-risk behaviors. We also need randomized trials to assess therapeutic interventions for treating the adverse effects of PEDs, such as the anabolic-androgen steroid withdrawal syndrome. Finally, we need to raise public awareness of the serious health consequences of PEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison G Pope
- McLean Hospital (H.G.P.), Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478; University of Southern California (R.I.W.), Los Angeles, California 90089; University of Virginia (A.R.), Charlottesville, Virginia 22904; Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, (F.N.), Upsala University, SE-751 24, Upsala, Sweden; United States Anti-Doping Agency (L.B.), Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919; and Brigham and Women's Hospital (S.B.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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Hope VD, McVeigh J, Marongiu A, Evans-Brown M, Smith J, Kimergård A, Croxford S, Beynon CM, Parry JV, Bellis MA, Ncube F. Prevalence of, and risk factors for, HIV, hepatitis B and C infections among men who inject image and performance enhancing drugs: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2013; 3:e003207. [PMID: 24030866 PMCID: PMC3773656 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe drug use, sexual risks and the prevalence of blood-borne viral infections among men who inject image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs). DESIGN A voluntary unlinked-anonymous cross-sectional biobehavioural survey. SETTING 19 needle and syringe programmes across England and Wales. PARTICIPANTS 395 men who had injected IPEDs. RESULTS Of the participants (median age 28 years), 36% had used IPEDs for <5 years. Anabolic steroids (86%), growth hormone (32%) and human chorionic gonadotropin (16%) were most frequently injected, with 88% injecting intramuscularly and 39% subcutaneously. Two-thirds also used IPEDs orally. Recent psychoactive drug use was common (46% cocaine, 12% amphetamine), 5% had ever injected a psychoactive drug and 9% had shared injecting equipment. 'Viagra/Cialis' was used by 7%, with 89% reporting anal/vaginal sex in the preceding year (20% had 5+ female-partners, 3% male-partners) and 13% always using condoms. Overall, 1.5% had HIV, 9% had antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and 5% to hepatitis C (anti-HCV). In multivariate analysis, having HIV was associated with: seeking advice from a sexual health clinic; having had an injection site abscess/wound; and having male partners. After excluding those reporting male partners or injecting psychoactive drugs, 0.8% had HIV, 8% anti-HBc and 5% anti-HCV. Only 23% reported uptake of the hepatitis B vaccine, and diagnostic testing uptake was poor (31% for HIV, 22% for hepatitis C). CONCLUSIONS Previous prevalence studies had not found HIV among IPED injectors. HIV prevalence in this, the largest study of blood-borne viruses among IPED injectors, was similar to that among injectors of psychoactive drugs. Findings indicate a need for targeted interventions.
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Iversen J, Topp L, Wand H, Maher L. Are people who inject performance and image-enhancing drugs an increasing population of Needle and Syringe Program attendees? Drug Alcohol Rev 2012; 32:205-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2012.00499.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Iversen
- Viral Hepatitis Epidemiology and Prevention Program; The Kirby Institute; The University of New South Wales; Sydney; Australia
| | - Libby Topp
- Research Strategy Unit; Cancer Council New South Wales; Sydney; Australia
| | - Handan Wand
- Biostatistics and Databases Program; The Kirby Institute; The University of New South Wales; Sydney; Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- Viral Hepatitis Epidemiology and Prevention Program; The Kirby Institute; The University of New South Wales; Sydney; Australia
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25
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Dandoy
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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26
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Dunn M. The non-medical use of steroids in Australia: results from a general population survey. Aust N Z J Public Health 2010; 34:531-2. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2010.00603.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Denham BE. Determinants of anabolic-androgenic steroid risk perceptions in youth populations: a multivariate analysis. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2009; 50:277-292. [PMID: 19711806 DOI: 10.1177/002214650905000303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Grounded conceptually in social cognitive theory, this research examines how personal, behavioral, and environmental factors are associated with risk perceptions of anabolic-androgenic steroids. Ordinal logistic regression and logit log-linear models applied to data gathered from high-school seniors (N = 2,160) in the 2005 Monitoring the Future study showed significant explanatory effects for sex, race, exposure to drug spots, steroid availability, peer use of steroids, sensation-seeking, depression, and self-esteem. Females, African Americans, and those who had seen drug spots the most frequently estimated higher levels of risk associated with steroid use, while those who indicated ease in obtaining steroids and those with close friends who had used the drugs estimated lower risk. Also estimating lower levels of risk were sensation seekers, those who appeared depressed, and those with low levels of self-esteem. Analyses reveal how steroid risk determinants may differ from those related to methylenedioxymethamphetamine (i.e., MDMA, ecstasy) and marijuana use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan E Denham
- Clemson University, Department of Communication Studies, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
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Quaglio G, Fornasiero A, Mezzelani P, Moreschini S, Lugoboni F, Lechi A. Anabolic steroids: dependence and complications of chronic use. Intern Emerg Med 2009; 4:289-96. [PMID: 19468827 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-009-0260-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2009] [Accepted: 04/22/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Anabolic steroids are widely used for doping, in professional and domestic sports. The mechanism of action is not completely understood. It may differ somewhat depending on the specific molecule due to structural differences that influence the specificity of binding with steroid receptors. When used by athletes in training, they can improve performance to levels that cannot be attained by almost any combination of sophisticated nonchemical support by modern sport science. The severity of the undesired effects of anabolic steroids depends on a variety of factors, from the type and combination of them, the dose and duration of administration, as well as the gender of the person taking the drug. Younger individuals and women show greater effects caused by anabolic steroids in terms of performance, but are also at greater risk of side effects. This paper presents a review of the literature concerning the major adverse effects of anabolic steroids, focusing the attention on possible situations of addiction from this category of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Quaglio
- Section of Internal Medicine and Addictive Disorders, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Verona, Ospedale Policlinico, Piazza L. A. Scuro, 37134 Verona, Italy
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30
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DAY CAROLYNA, TOPP LIBBY, IVERSEN JENNY, MAHER LISA. Blood-borne virus prevalence and risk among steroid injectors: Results from the Australian Needle and Syringe Program Survey. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009; 27:559-61. [DOI: 10.1080/09595230801956132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Larance B, Degenhardt L, Copeland J, Dillon P. Injecting risk behaviour and related harm among men who use performance- and image-enhancing drugs. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009; 27:679-86. [PMID: 18825549 DOI: 10.1080/09595230802392568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Performance- and image-enhancing drugs have the potential to be a significant public health issue. Detailed data on PIEDs injection are difficult to obtain because of the illicit and unsupervised way in which many PIEDs are used, and the hidden nature of the group. Our study examines the patterns of use, risk behaviours and related harm associated with PIEDs injection. We also report the ways in which PIEDs users currently seek injecting equipment and harm-reduction advice. DESIGN AND METHOD Data were obtained via a structured questionnaire administered in face-to-face interviews with 60 men who used PIEDs (primarily anabolic androgenic steroids) for non-medical purposes. RESULTS Although the rates of needle sharing were low (5%), the men more frequently reported re-use of needles/equipment, injecting from a shared container (bladders, vials, etc.), injecting other illicit drugs, injecting insulin and targeting small muscle groups. Self-reports of being hepatitis C antibody positive were associated with lifetime use of heroin and injection of other illicit drugs. All HIV positive participants were gay/bisexual men. Participants reported a range of other injection-related injuries and diseases such as fevers, scarring and abscesses. 'Risky' injectors (38% of participants) were more likely to initiate PIEDs use at a younger age, use PIEDs in a larger number of cycles per year and report involvement in a violent/aggressive incident than 'low risk' injectors and report involvement in a violent/aggressive incident than 'low risk' injectors. Participants mainly reported seeking information about PIEDs from internet sites (62%) and friends (55%). CONCLUSIONS An over-reliance on personal networks and internet forums limits this groups' access to objective harm reduction advice and primary care services. Targeted, PIEDs-specific interventions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briony Larance
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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32
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Denham BE. Association between narcotic use and anabolic-androgenic steroid use among American adolescents. Subst Use Misuse 2009; 44:2043-61. [PMID: 20001694 DOI: 10.3109/10826080902848749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Drawing on the data gathered in the 2006 Monitoring the Future study of American youth, the present research examines associations between use of narcotics and use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) among high-school seniors (n = 2,489). With independent measures and controls including sex, race, media exposure, socializing with friends, participation in recreational and school-sponsored sports, perceptions of drug use among professional athletes, and perceptions of steroid use among close friends, binary logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations between AAS use and the use of alcohol, crack cocaine, Vicodin, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Ketamine, and Rohypnol. While use of both AASs and the narcotic drugs generally did not eclipse 5% of the sample, the numbers extend to many thousands in larger populations. Implications for health practitioners and recommendations for future research are offered. The study's limitations are noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan E Denham
- Department of Communication Studies, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA.
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Watelet J. [Liver and sport]. GASTROENTEROLOGIE CLINIQUE ET BIOLOGIQUE 2008; 32:960-972. [PMID: 18954954 DOI: 10.1016/j.gcb.2008.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2007] [Revised: 06/29/2008] [Accepted: 08/06/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The liver is a vital organ and plays a central role in energy exchange, protein synthesis as well as the elimination of waste products from the body. Acute and chronic injury may disturb a variety of liver functions to different degrees. Over the last three decades, the effects of physical activity and competitive sport on the liver have been described by various investigators. These include viral hepatitis and drug-induced liver disorders. Herein, we review acute and chronic liver diseases potentially caused by sport. Team physicians, trainers and others, responsible for the health of athletes, should be familiar with the risk factors, clinical features, and consequences of liver diseases that occur in sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Watelet
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, hôpital de Brabois, CHU de Nancy, Vandoeuvre cedex, France.
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Abstract
Current anti-doping policy is sufficiently problematic to call for debate and change, say Bengt Kayser and Aaron C T Smith
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Affiliation(s)
- Bengt Kayser
- University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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Abstract
Blood-borne infections are transmitted by way of direct blood contact from one individual to another from injured skin or a mucous membrane. Blood-borne infections can also be transmitted through blood doping and drug abuse and through sexual contact. Risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) HBV infection include travel to regions with endemic hepatitis. Prevention of blood-borne pathogens in the student-athlete should focus on traditional transmission routes and off-the-field behavior because experts believe that field transmission of blood-borne pathogens is minimal. Worldwide, HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV are the most common pathogens encountered. This article focuses on HBV and HCV as being the most prevalent in athletics.
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Kayser B, Mauron A, Miah A. Current anti-doping policy: a critical appraisal. BMC Med Ethics 2007; 8:2. [PMID: 17394662 PMCID: PMC1851967 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6939-8-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2006] [Accepted: 03/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current anti-doping in competitive sports is advocated for reasons of fair-play and concern for the athlete's health. With the inception of the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA), anti-doping effort has been considerably intensified. Resources invested in anti-doping are rising steeply and increasingly involve public funding. Most of the effort concerns elite athletes with much less impact on amateur sports and the general public. DISCUSSION We review this recent development of increasingly severe anti-doping control measures and find them based on questionable ethical grounds. The ethical foundation of the war on doping consists of largely unsubstantiated assumptions about fairness in sports and the concept of a "level playing field". Moreover, it relies on dubious claims about the protection of an athlete's health and the value of the essentialist view that sports achievements reflect natural capacities. In addition, costly antidoping efforts in elite competitive sports concern only a small fraction of the population. From a public health perspective this is problematic since the high prevalence of uncontrolled, medically unsupervised doping practiced in amateur sports and doping-like behaviour in the general population (substance use for performance enhancement outside sport) exposes greater numbers of people to potential harm. In addition, anti-doping has pushed doping and doping-like behaviour underground, thus fostering dangerous practices such as sharing needles for injection. Finally, we argue that the involvement of the medical profession in doping and anti-doping challenges the principles of non-maleficience and of privacy protection. As such, current anti-doping measures potentially introduce problems of greater impact than are solved, and place physicians working with athletes or in anti-doping settings in an ethically difficult position. In response, we argue on behalf of enhancement practices in sports within a framework of medical supervision. SUMMARY Current anti-doping strategy is aimed at eradication of doping in elite sports by means of all-out repression, buttressed by a war-like ideology similar to the public discourse sustaining international efforts against illicit drugs. Rather than striving for eradication of doping in sports, which appears to be an unattainable goal, a more pragmatic approach aimed at controlled use and harm reduction may be a viable alternative to cope with doping and doping-like behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bengt Kayser
- Professor, Institute of movement sciences and sports medicine, Faculty of medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Mauron
- Professor, Institute of biomedical ethics, Faculty of medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andy Miah
- Reader, University of Paisley, Scotland, UK
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Watelet J, Bigard MA. [Gastrointestinal and liver disorders in athletes]. GASTROENTEROLOGIE CLINIQUE ET BIOLOGIQUE 2005; 29:522-32. [PMID: 15980745 DOI: 10.1016/s0399-8320(05)82123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
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Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are mainly used to treat androgen deficiency syndromes and, more recently, catabolic states such as AIDS-associated wasting. There is no evidence in the reviewed literature that AAS abuse or dependence develops from the therapeutic use of AAS. Conversely, 165 instances of AAS dependence have been reported among weightlifters and bodybuilders who, as part of their weight training regimens, chronically administered supraphysiologic doses, often including combinations of injected and oral AAS as well as other drugs of abuse. A new model is proposed in which both the "myoactive" and psychoactive effects of AAS contribute to the development of AAS dependence. The adverse consequences of AAS are reviewed, as well as their assessment by means of a history and physical, mental status examination, and laboratory testing. When patients with AAS use disorders are compared with patients with other substance use disorders, both similarities and differences become apparent and have implications for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk J Brower
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Research Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48108, USA.
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