Citation

Bojsen-Møller J, Christiansen AV. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 2010; 20(6): 861-867.

Affiliation

Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01023.x

PMID

19843266

Abstract

The use of performance- and image-enhancing drugs/substances (PIED) outside elite sports appears to be increasing, although the current knowledge of the nature of PIED use among recreational athletes is scarce. The present study analyzed enquiries that were submitted to the Danish Anti Doping Agency (ADD) over an 18-month period, to gain knowledge of PIED use among individuals who exercise recreationally in Denmark. One thousand three hundred ninety eight queries were examined with respect to the age and gender of the enquirer, affiliation to sport or exercise and substance in question. The key findings were that the ADD information service is generally used by males in their mid-20s who exercise in gyms and are not engaged in competitive sports. Approximately 15% of the enquirers were users of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) or other substances banned within elite sports by the World Anti Doping Agency, and an additional 15% considered using such substances. The present results suggest that there is a pronounced interest in the use of AAS and other PIEDs among Danish gym members.

Language: en