Adolescent use of anabolic-androgenic steroids and relations to self-reports of social, personality and health aspects

Background: Over the last decade adolescent males have been shown to use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in order to improve their sports performance and appearance, as well as in combination with alcohol and psychotropic drugs. However, the risk profile of AAS use is still not well understood. This study analysed the importance of social, personality and health factors for the use of AAS. Methods: More than 2,700 senior high school students in Uppsala, Sweden, filled out an anonymous closed-response questionnaire. Results: The findings from multiple logistic regression analyses of adolescent males (n=1,353) showed that immigrant status, average/low self-esteem, average/low perceived school achievement and use of prescription tranquillisers/sedatives had independent significant associations with the use of AAS after controlling for age and previously known factors such as strength training, truancy and heavy alcohol consumption. Conclusion: The characteristics of AAS users extend beyond activities such as strength training and multiple drug use to include social, personality and health aspects.