2025/12/18 by Benjamin Bonenti, Vigorous Steve, Cheneal Puljević +6 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Hormonal and reproductive studies #Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research #Sexual Differentiation and Disorders
paper · doi:10.1177/15598276251405211
openalex created_date 2025/12/18 · openalex publication_date 2025/12/18 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Background: Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use is rising globally. However, age-related differences in harms and health care access barriers remain underexplored. As such, this study examined age-based differences in AAS-related harms and access to support services. Methods: The sample (N = 1146) comprised men who reported AAS use within the prior 12 months, stratified into 2 age groups (<40 years and ≥40 years). Chi-square analyses were conducted to examine age-related differences in physical health concerns, psychosocial issues, and barriers to health care access. UpSet plots were used to visualise co-occurrence patterns within each domain. Results: Younger men who use AAS were significantly more likely than older men who use AAS to report psychosocial concerns, including anger and depression (all χ 2 s > 4.0, all p s < .045). They also reported higher rates of physical concerns, including hair loss and fertility issues (all χ 2 s > 6.3, all p s < .012). Access difficulties were also more prevalent among the younger men ( χ 2 s > 4.0, p s < .046), particularly with pharmacies and hospitals. Conclusions: Younger men who use AAS appear to face greater burden and complexity than older men who use AAS, underscoring the need for targeted harm reduction strategies and improved service engagement pathways tailored to peoples’ age.