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Piatkowski T, Benn S, Ayurzana L, King M, McMillan S, Hattingh L. Exploring the role of community pharmacies as a harm reduction environment for anabolic-androgenic steroid consumers: triangulating the perspectives of consumers and pharmacists. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:59. [PMID: 38481218 PMCID: PMC10935940 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00972-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While community pharmacies have been successful in providing harm reduction support for illicit substance consumers, little research has explored their role in addressing the needs of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) consumers. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to triangulate the attitudes and experiences of AAS consumers and community pharmacist's regarding AAS harm reduction. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with AAS consumers (n = 8) and community pharmacists (n = 15) between December 2022 and August 2023 in Australia. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS While consumers emphasised easy access to pharmacies, particularly in urban areas, challenges were noted in rural regions. AAS consumers expressed a preference for community pharmacies, perceiving them as less confronting and a feasible avenue for accessing professional advice, highlighting the potential role of pharmacists in nurturing therapeutic alliances with AAS consumers. Similarly, pharmacists expressed receptivity to providing harm reduction information but acknowledged knowledge gaps, suggesting a need for tailored education programs to support AAS consumers effectively. CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacies can be an important environment for AAS harm reduction. Strategies include utilising private spaces for open discussions with AAS consumers and enhancing pharmacists' understanding of AAS to foster trust and support. Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps and training needs for pharmacy staff, with the aim of creating a safer environment for AAS consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Piatkowski
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
- Griffith Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Sarah Benn
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Lkhagvadulam Ayurzana
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Michelle King
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Sara McMillan
- Griffith Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Laetitia Hattingh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- Pharmacy Department, Gold Coast Health, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia
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Handelsman DJ, Grossmann M, Yeap BB, Stuckey BGA, Shankara-Narayana N, Conway AJ, Inder WJ, McLachlan RI, Allan C, Jenkins AJ, Jesudason D, Bracken K, Wittert GA. Long-term Outcomes of Testosterone Treatment in Men: A T4DM Postrandomization Observational Follow-up Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 109:e25-e31. [PMID: 37623257 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The T4DM study randomized 1007 men with impaired glucose tolerance or newly diagnosed diabetes to testosterone undecanoate (TU, 1000 mg) or matching placebo (P) injections every 12 weeks for 24 months with a lifestyle program with testosterone (T) treatment reducing diabetes diagnosis by 40%. BACKGROUND The long-term effects on new diagnosis of diabetes, cardiovascular and prostate disease, sleep apnea, weight maintenance trajectory and androgen dependence were not yet described. METHODS A follow-up email survey after a median of 5.1 years since last injection obtained 599 (59%) completed surveys (316 T, 283 P), with participants in the follow-up survey compared with nonparticipants in 23 anthropometric and demographic variables. RESULTS Randomization to was TU associated with stronger belief in study benefits during (64% vs 49%, P < .001) but not after the study (44% vs 40%, P = .07); there is high interest in future studies. At T4DM entry, 25% had sleep apnea with a new diagnosis more frequent on TU (3.0% vs 0.4%, P = .03) during, but not after, the study. Poststudy, resuming prescribed T treatment was more frequent among TU-treated men (6% vs 2.8%, P = .03). Five years after cessation of TU treatment there was no difference in self-reported rates of new diagnosis of diabetes, and prostate or cardiovascular disease, nor change in weight maintenance or weight loss behaviors. CONCLUSION We conclude that randomized T treatment for 24 months in men with impaired glucose tolerance or new diabetes but without pathological hypogonadism was associated with higher levels of self-reported benefits and diagnosis of sleep apnea during, but not after, the study as well as more frequent prescribed poststudy T treatment consistent with androgen dependence in some men receiving prolonged injectable TU.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney and Department of Andrology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine Austin Health, The University of Melbourne and Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Bu B Yeap
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Bronwyn G A Stuckey
- Keogh Institute for Medical Research, and Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nandini Shankara-Narayana
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney and Department of Andrology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Ann J Conway
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney and Department of Andrology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Warrick J Inder
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, and PA-Southside Clinical Unit, Medical School, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Carolyn Allan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Alicia J Jenkins
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - David Jesudason
- Department of Endocrinology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5011, Australia
| | - Karen Bracken
- Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2064, Australia
| | - Gary A Wittert
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 506, Australia
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Chegeni R, Pallesen S, Weldemariam H, Sagoe D. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on androgen administration in humans: an umbrella review. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2023; 30:300-308. [PMID: 37603031 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present umbrella review systematically searches and synthesizes recent (2021-2023) systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMA) on androgen administration in humans. RECENT FINDINGS Results from 19 SRMA are synthesized. Four themes were identified: market for androgens, prevalence of androgen abuse, psychological effects of androgens, and clinical/therapeutic effects of androgens. One of three androgens on the illicit market are fake or substandard. Whereas one of three androgen users experiences dependence and various serious disorders, only one of three androgen users seeks physician support. Additionally, androgen administration increases self-reported aggression in healthy male individuals, and abuse positively correlates with interpersonal violence. Furthermore, androgen therapy is beneficial in treating persons suffering from various chronic diseases. SUMMARY In this umbrella review, we identified 19 SRMA on androgen use and abuse. Results show a high prevalence of fake androgens on the illicit market, a high prevalence of androgen abuse and dependence, and that a huge proportion of androgen users tend to avoid seeking support from clinicians. Also, androgen administration increases self-reported aggression among healthy male, and there is a positive correlation between androgen abuse and violent behavior. Finally, androgens have multiple therapeutic effects on various pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Chegeni
- PROMENTA Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo
- Human Enhancement and Body Image Lab (HEBI Lab), Addiction Research Group
| | - Ståle Pallesen
- Human Enhancement and Body Image Lab (HEBI Lab), Addiction Research Group
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hailemariam Weldemariam
- Human Enhancement and Body Image Lab (HEBI Lab), Addiction Research Group
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Dominic Sagoe
- Human Enhancement and Body Image Lab (HEBI Lab), Addiction Research Group
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Nyssanbayeva K, Abdulla V, Semenova Y, Bakasheva M, Sagoe D, Glushkova N. Characteristics of the Online Market for Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids in Central Asia: A Netnographic Analysis. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 59:10-19. [PMID: 37724019 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2257317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Background: With the online proliferation of illegal substances, the Internet offers a wide variety of information on the acquisition and intake of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other performance and image enhancing drugs. This study focuses on investigating the characteristics of the online AAS market in Central Asia. OBJECTIVES The primary objectives of this study were to investigate the accessibility and features of the online market for AAS in Central Asia. To achieve this, we employed a netnographic approach for a systematic exploration of websites advertising and selling AAS. The study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of several key aspects, including the variety of AAS products offered, the quality of health advice provided the level of product availability, the procedures involved in making purchases, and the pricing structures within this market. RESULTS Twenty-one websites supplying AAS in Central Asia met our inclusion criteria. Using content analysis, data were gathered on AAS offerings, quality of health advice provided, availability, purchase process, and prices. Data were synthesized using descriptive statistics. Results indicate that AAS are easily accessible for purchase without valid medical prescription in the Central Asia online market. Most websites advertised the aesthetic and ergogenic benefits of AAS use without indicating the potential complications and adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Public health efforts to mitigate AAS use in Central Asia should consider both the online accessibility of AAS and the lack of accompanying information on potential complications as well as adverse effects associated with their use. Efforts must be intensified to curtail the proliferation of AAS and related misleading information on the Central Asian online market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kulman Nyssanbayeva
- Department of Public Health and Social Sciences, Kazakhstan Medical University (KSPH), Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Venera Abdulla
- Department of Public Health and Social Sciences, Kazakhstan Medical University (KSPH), Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Yuliya Semenova
- School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Maira Bakasheva
- Kazakhstan National Anti-Doping Organization, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Dominic Sagoe
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Natalya Glushkova
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Evidence, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Based Medicine, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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