Anabolic androgenic steroids: use and perceived use in non-athlete college students

Authors

Joseph M. Berning, New Mexico State University'
Kent J. Adams, California State University-Monterey Bay
Mark DeBeliso, California State University-Monterey Bay
Bryant A. Stamford, Hanover College's Department of Exercise Science
Ian Newman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2008

Citation

Berning, J.M., Adams, K.J., DeBeliso, M., Stamford, B.A., & Newman, I.M. (2008). Anabolic androgenic steroids: use and perceived use in non-athlete college students. Journal of American College Health, 56(5), 499-503.

Comments

Copyright © 2008 Heldref Publications

Abstract

Objective: The authors investigated the use and perceived use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) among nonathlete college students. Participants: The authors surveyed a sample of 485 nonathlete college students at a major metropolitan university. Methods: They administered a survey on use and perceived use of AAS to the students. Results: Forty-two participants (9%) reported using AAS (37 men, 5 women). Seniors were the most likely to use AAS (36%), and freshman the least likely (7%). Thirty-four percent of nonusers and 41% of users indicated they knew between 1 and 5 AAS users. Of the total sample, 36% perceived that 5% to 10% of nonathlete college students used AAS. Reasons for AAS use were because friends were using (7%), a desire to enhance physical appearance (45%), and a desire to increase physical performance (48%). Conclusions: These findings may have significant implications in planning strategic preventive educational programs, and health educators should target incoming college freshmen with the intent of dissuading AAS use.