Use of legal and illegal performance enhancing drugs and supplements in gym users ‒ prevalence, risks, and satisfaction

Amdeovski, Haris and Arsovski, Denis (2025) Use of legal and illegal performance enhancing drugs and supplements in gym users ‒ prevalence, risks, and satisfaction. Croatian sports medicine journal, 40 (1). pp. 50-58. ISSN 1848-7742

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Abstract

The use of performance-enhancing substances such as legal supplements and illegal anabolic agents has become common among recreational athletes. This research aimed to assess the prevalence, satisfaction, motivations, and health risks associated with such substances among gym users.
A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Twentyeight physically active participants (78.6% male; 16–35 years old) from a local gym were surveyed about their use of legal supplements (creatine, caffeine) and illegal substances (anabolic-androgenic steroids, beta-2 agonists). Descriptive statistics were used to sum the use patterns and satisfaction levels. Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis H tests were used to assess correlations between substance use, gender, adverse effects, and experience ratings. Caffeine (100%) and creatine (57.1%) were the most commonly used legal supplements, with no reported side effects for creatine. Anabolic androgenic steroids (35.7%) and beta-2 agonists (28.6%) were also used, and all users of these substances experienced adverse effects. Satisfaction ratings were higher for legal supplements compared to illegal substances (p < 0.001). Chi-square analyses confirmed a significant relationship between anabolic androgenic steroids use and reported side effects (p < 0.001), and between gender and anabolic androgenic steroids use (p = 0.039).
The results showed a concerning pattern of selfmanaged performance-enhancing substance use among
recreational athletes, marked by health risks and limited medical supervision. Individualized public health interventions and education efforts are needed to address this growing issue in gym-based communities.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Scientific Fields (Frascati) > Medical and Health Sciences > Health sciences Scientific Fields (Frascati) > Medical and Health Sciences > Other medical sciences
Divisions:	Higher Medical School
Depositing User:	MSc Denis Arsovski
Date Deposited:	25 Aug 2025 08:52
Last Modified:	25 Aug 2025 08:52
URI:	https://eprints.uklo.edu.mk/id/eprint/11002

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