Preventive Care in Nursing and Midwifery Journal
Volume 16, Issue 3 (7-2026)
Prev Care Nurs Midwifery J 2026, 16(3): 0-0 |
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Ethics code: IR.AJUMS.REC.1401.595
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Rajabi Pour S, Shami M, Javadnoori M, BabaAhmadi A, Javadnoori A, Safaii Pour M et al . Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Abuse Among Male Athletes in Ahvaz, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study. Prev Care Nurs Midwifery J 2026; 16 (3)
URL: http://nmcjournal.zums.ac.ir/article-1-1023-en.html
URL: http://nmcjournal.zums.ac.ir/article-1-1023-en.html
Saba Rajabi Pour 
, Maryam Shami , Mojgan Javadnoori * , Azar BabaAhmadi , Amir Javadnoori , Mohammad Safaii Pour , Milad Sedaghati Pour
, Maryam Shami , Mojgan Javadnoori * , Azar BabaAhmadi , Amir Javadnoori , Mohammad Safaii Pour , Milad Sedaghati Pour
Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran , mojganjavadnoori@gmail.com
Abstract: (13 Views)
Background: Anabolic‑androgenic steroid (AAS) use is prevalent among athletes, yet its relationship with body image and other characteristics remains insufficiently understood.
Objectives: This study examined the prevalence of AAS abuse and its association with body image among male athletes.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 300 male athletes aged ≥15 years in Ahvaz, Iran, recruited through multistage sampling between March 2023 and January 2024. AAS abuse was defined as nonmedical use of anabolic-androgenic steroids without a physician's prescription or for performance‑ or appearance-enhancing purposes during the previous five years. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire covering demographic characteristics and AAS use, together with the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ). Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann–Whitney U and chi-square tests in SPSS version 25.
Results: AAS use was reported by 19.3% of participants. Intramuscular injections were the most common route of administration, and Sustanon was the most frequently used agent. The mean (SD) MBSRQ total score was significantly lower among AAS users than non‑users [220.03 (29.22) vs. 234.45 (21.43), p < 0.001]. AAS use was associated with place of residence (p = 0.012), weekly gym attendance (p = 0.007), supplement use (p < 0.001), illicit drug use (p < 0.001), and training‑session duration (p = 0.020). No significant associations were found with age or education level (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Nearly one in five athletes reported AAS use. Users had lower MBSRQ scores than non‑users, indicating differences in body image between the groups. AAS use was also related to several training and substance‑use characteristics.
Objectives: This study examined the prevalence of AAS abuse and its association with body image among male athletes.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 300 male athletes aged ≥15 years in Ahvaz, Iran, recruited through multistage sampling between March 2023 and January 2024. AAS abuse was defined as nonmedical use of anabolic-androgenic steroids without a physician's prescription or for performance‑ or appearance-enhancing purposes during the previous five years. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire covering demographic characteristics and AAS use, together with the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ). Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann–Whitney U and chi-square tests in SPSS version 25.
Results: AAS use was reported by 19.3% of participants. Intramuscular injections were the most common route of administration, and Sustanon was the most frequently used agent. The mean (SD) MBSRQ total score was significantly lower among AAS users than non‑users [220.03 (29.22) vs. 234.45 (21.43), p < 0.001]. AAS use was associated with place of residence (p = 0.012), weekly gym attendance (p = 0.007), supplement use (p < 0.001), illicit drug use (p < 0.001), and training‑session duration (p = 0.020). No significant associations were found with age or education level (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Nearly one in five athletes reported AAS use. Users had lower MBSRQ scores than non‑users, indicating differences in body image between the groups. AAS use was also related to several training and substance‑use characteristics.
Type of Study: Orginal research |
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