Environments, risk and health harms: a qualitative investigation into the illicit use of anabolic steroids among people using harm reduction services in the UK.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The illicit use of anabolic steroids among the gym population continues to rise, along with the number of steroid using clients attending harm reduction services in the UK. This presents serious challenges to public health. Study objectives were to account for the experiences of anabolic steroid users and investigate how 'risk environments' produce harm.

Methods

Qualitative face-to-face interviews with 24 users of anabolic steroids engaged with harm reduction services in the UK.

Results

Body satisfaction was an important factor when deciding to start the use of anabolic steroids. Many users were unaware of the potential dangers of using drugs from the illicit market, whereas some had adopted a range of strategies to negotiate the hazards relating to the use

SUBMITTER: Kimergard A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4054627 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature