TY - JOUR
T1 - Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
T2 - a Scoping Review of Extant Empirical Literature
AU - Hearne, Evelyn
AU - Wazaify, Mayyada
AU - Van Hout, Marie Claire
AU - Atkinson, Amanda
AU - McVeigh, Jim
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020, The Author(s).
PY - 2021/8
Y1 - 2021/8
N2 - The use of image- and performance-enhancing drugs particularly anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is not a new phenomenon. AAS use is not limited to athletes, with mainstream populations using these drugs for aesthetic purposes. Prevalence has been predominantly in Western countries, with some recent studies indicating a rise in popularity in the Eastern Mediterranean region. A scoping review of extant empirical literature from the Eastern Mediterranean region described and mapped what is known about the extent of AAS in the region. Four themes emerged from the review: (1) profile of AAS users; (2) AAS within gymnasium practice; (3) AAS regimes of use; and (4) knowledge and understanding of the AAS concept and related adverse effects. The review highlights a relatively new phenomenon of AAS use in the Eastern Mediterranean. The review underscores the need to carry out further research, particularly qualitative and quantitative studies with both genders, and cognisant of the complexities of culture and religiosity.
AB - The use of image- and performance-enhancing drugs particularly anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is not a new phenomenon. AAS use is not limited to athletes, with mainstream populations using these drugs for aesthetic purposes. Prevalence has been predominantly in Western countries, with some recent studies indicating a rise in popularity in the Eastern Mediterranean region. A scoping review of extant empirical literature from the Eastern Mediterranean region described and mapped what is known about the extent of AAS in the region. Four themes emerged from the review: (1) profile of AAS users; (2) AAS within gymnasium practice; (3) AAS regimes of use; and (4) knowledge and understanding of the AAS concept and related adverse effects. The review highlights a relatively new phenomenon of AAS use in the Eastern Mediterranean. The review underscores the need to carry out further research, particularly qualitative and quantitative studies with both genders, and cognisant of the complexities of culture and religiosity.
KW - Anabolic steroids
KW - Eastern Mediterranean
KW - Gym users
KW - Image- and performance-enhancing drugs
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85078584770&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11469-019-00217-8
DO - 10.1007/s11469-019-00217-8
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85078584770
VL - 19
SP - 1162
EP - 1189
JO - International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
JF - International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
SN - 1557-1874
IS - 4
ER -
