Risk factors associated with anabolic-androgenic steroid use among adolescents

To identify risk factors associated with anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use among adolescents, computerised and manual literature searches were per formed and the resultant local, state, national and international reports o f illicit AAS use by adolescents that referenced risk factors were reviewed . Results indicate that adolescent AAS users are significantly more likely to be males and to use other illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Student at hletes are also more likely than nonathletes to use AAS, and football playe rs, wrestlers, weightlifters and bodybuilders have significantly higher pre valence rates than students not engaged in these activities. Currently only a partial profile can be created to characterise the adolescent AAS user. Further research will be needed before associations can be made with a reas onable degree of confidence regarding risk factors such as athletic partici pation, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and educational level. More importa ntly, to improve prevention and intervention strategies, a better understan ding of the process involved in initiating AAS use is needed, including vul nerability factors, age of initiation and the use of other illicit drugs.