Prevalence in use of chemical substances among adolescents

Abstract

This epidemiological study was made with 14 to 18 year-old adolescents (n=3699) and had the objective to investigate the prevalence in the use of chemical substances (specially the Androgenic Anabolic Steroids) to build the body. Significant differences were found concerning gender matter and these substances. While the female participants use more alternatives to lose weight (women - n = 164 15,17%, men - n = 84 - 7,38%) the usage of drugs made by men had as main objective the increasing of muscle mass (men - n = 43 - 3,78%, women - n =10 - 0,93%). The results allow to state that the utilization of these drugs does not have its motivation in the practice of competitive sport. Thus, there are no significant differences between those who practice a competitive sport and those who don’t practice it (X2= 0,04, gl = 1, p<0,05, n= 53).