The application of health belief model among body building athletes in the identification of belief associated with anabolic steroid use

Background: Progressive prevalence of anabolic steroid use and physical and mental consequences of these drugs are known as worldwide healthy problems. Willingness to being fitness and having muscular body and unhealthy beliefs about anabolic steroids are determinant behavioral factors of anabolic storied use. The purpose of this study was to determine the behavioral reason of anabolic steroid abuse as well as to assess the relationship between anabolic steroid use and perceived threat of anabolic steroid use among body building athletes.

Methods: This study is a cross-sectional one in which a total of 300 body builders, were randomly selected for participation in Hamadan. A structured questionnaire was applied for collecting data about anabolic steroids abuse, self efficacy not to use, perceived susceptibility and seriousness of anabolic steroids use. The data were analyzed using SPSS-13.

Results: seventy three athletes (24.3%) reported that they have used anabolic steroid. Anadrol was the mostly used substance among participants. Most important reason mentioned by athletes for consuming anabolic steroids was body fitness. Perceived seriousness (OR= 0/675 & p-value = 0/000) and perceived self efficacy (OR= 0/796 & p-value = 0/000) were two important predicting factors for using anabolic steroid.

Conclusion: Planning and implementation of educational program for the increasing of self efficiency and informing athletes of the serious side effects of consuming these drugs would have a positive effect on preventing or reducing their consumption.