Anabolic androgenic steroid use population size estimation

A first stage study utilising a Delphi exercise

Bibliographic Data

ID21605450
AuthorsVivian Hope (0000-0001-5712-5734, Public Health Institute, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK, corresponding author), Vincent Walker Bond (0000-0002-5097-6808, Manchester Metropolitan University), Ian D Boardley (0000-0001-5651-7816, University of Birmingham), Josie Smith (0000-0002-7671-104X, Substance Misuse Programme, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK), John Campbell (0000-0002-6752-3493, NHS Scotland, Glasgow, UK), Geoff Bates (0000-0001-6932-2372, Institute for Policy Research, University of Bath, Bath, UK), Robert Ralphs (0000-0001-8359-2598, Manchester Metropolitan University), Marie Claire Van Hout (0000-0002-0018-4060, Public Health Institute, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK), Jim Mcveigh (0000-0001-5319-6885, Manchester Metropolitan University)
Year2023
Volume30
Issue5
Pages461-473
Publication date2023-09-03
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDrugs Education Prevention and Policy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0968-7637 • E-ISSN: 1465-3370
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09687637.2022.2070058
OpenAlexW4280650569
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited33

Harms associated with anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) use are well-established and a public health concern. Robust estimates of the numbers using AAS are needed to inform responses, however, in the UK these are lacking. Due to the comparative rarity and associated stigma, general population surveys are problematic and data availability limits the use of indirect approaches. To address this, the Delphi method was used to refine the key parameters needed for indirect estimation from attendances at needle and syringe programmes (NSP) for AAS use. An expert panel (n = 63) was surveyed three times (n = 40, 39, and 37) to refine the parameters needed to generate a likely range from data on NSP attendances. A broad agreement was reached on: regional variations in use; the proportion of men using AAS who only use them orally; the proportion of men who inject AAS using NSP; and the proportion of the AAS population who are women. We conclude that previous general population survey-based estimates of recent AAS use appear implausible, with the likely range indicated by NSP data being up to 10-times higher. AAS use in the UK is more common than previously indicated, but further work is needed to refine population size estimation and characteristics

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids · Anabolism · Delphi · Delphi method · Environmental health · Estimation · Population · Public health · Statistics · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Computer Science · Demography · Engineering · Hormonal and reproductive studies · Mathematics · Medicine · Survey Methodology and Nonresponse · Internal Medicine

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