Anabolic Steroids Consumption Prevalence and Awareness of Their Side Effects Among Male Body Builders in Iran: A Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to study consumption of anabolicsteroids prevalence and awareness of their side effects among male body builders in Iran. 31studies were eligible for entry into the study by using anabolic steroids, ergogenic drugs andbodybuilder keywords from Persian and Latin databases. Data analysis was performed usingmeta-analysis (random effects model). The heterogeneity between studies was assessed by usingI2 test. It was found that the total prevalence of anabolic steroid consumption in Iranianbodybuilders was 32.9% (95% confidence interval 17 to 48%), and the prevalence of four drugclasses consumption’ including Testosterone, Nandrolone , Oxymethanol and Dianabol werefound as 29, 24, 19 and 15% respectively. Moreover, 74% of the athletes introduced theircoaches and/or friends as the most influential persons to encourage the for using sportssupplements. Only 34% of athletes have awareness about anabolic steroids side effects.Therefore, it is necessary to increase both athletes and their coaches’ information in connectionwith anabolic steroids side effects to diminish consumption prevalence.