Prevalence of androgenic-anabolic steroid use in adolescents in two regions of South Africa

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of androgenic-anabolic steroid (AAS) use among schoolchildren in two geographically separate regions of South Africa.

Design: Self-reported questionnaire.

Population: Standard 10 schoolchildren (16-18 years) were selected, 1,136 from region A and 1,411 from region B.

Results: The prevalence of AAS use in the overall population was 14.4/1,000. There were significant differences in prevalence of AAS use between the two regions (5.9/1,000 v. 22.7/1,000; P < 0.0005). There was significantly higher use in males (28.2/1,000) compared with females (0.7/1,000) (P < 0.005). Gymnasia were the most common source of AAS. Although there were regional differences in general knowledge about AAS, general knowledge scores were low across all the groups. Male sports participants who used AAS experienced significantly higher pressure to perform than their non-user counterparts in both regions.

Conclusions: Regional differences in AAS use and general knowledge about AAS need to be considered before a meaningful programme can be implemented to reduce the use of AAS by South African schoolchildren.