Leone James E, Fetro Joyce V
Department of Athletic Training, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, University of Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
J Strength Cond Res. 2007 May;21(2):532-7. doi: 10.1519/R-18665.1.
We attempted to qualitatively investigate why men of 2 age categories have chosen not to use androgenic-anabolic steroids (AASs). Twelve men (22.28 +/- 1.38 years [group I] and 53.00 +/- 13.28 years [group II]) were selected on the basis of specific inclusion criteria, including age and fitness levels (i.e., "do you weight train?"). Subjects were classified in 1 of 2 categories-younger or older precluders-and were asked to complete 2 survey instruments before their participation. The Drive for Muscularity Scale (reliability 0.85) and Body Image Questionnaire were used to gain a better understanding of perceptions and motivations regarding health, fitness, and body image. A series of semistructured questions were used to enhance focus group discussion regarding attitudes. Questions were validated by a panel of experts in qualitative methods. Member checks were conducted to enhance trustworthiness of the data. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with thematic open-coding techniques. Various behaviors were reported regarding body image. Emerging themes showed a clear demarcation between age categories. Younger subjects cited power, control, body image, and narcissism, whereas older subjects viewed AAS use as more of an athletic-based phenomenon, such as with performance enhancement, when asked about steroids. Groups were in agreement that media trends and perceptions of the ideal male body are becoming "superhuman" and unattainable without chemical means. Understanding attitudinal perspectives might help complement national data on AAS trends. Future investigations could help coaches and allied health professionals collaborate with each other, as well as with national groups and foundations, to devise more appropriate strategies in addressing this growing athletic and public health concern.
我们试图定性研究两个年龄组的男性不使用雄激素同化类固醇（AAS）的原因。根据特定的纳入标准，包括年龄和健康水平（即“你进行负重训练吗？”），选取了12名男性（第一组年龄为22.28±1.38岁，第二组年龄为53.00±13.28岁）。受试者被分为两类——年轻或年长的拒绝使用者——并在参与前被要求完成两份调查问卷。使用肌肉驱动力量表（信度为0.85）和身体意象问卷，以更好地了解他们对健康、健身和身体意象的认知及动机。一系列半结构化问题用于加强关于态度的焦点小组讨论。这些问题经过定性方法专家小组的验证。进行成员核对以提高数据的可信度。数据逐字转录，并采用主题开放编码技术进行分析。关于身体意象报告了各种行为。新出现的主题显示出年龄组之间的明显界限。当被问及类固醇时，年轻受试者提到了力量、控制、身体意象和自恋，而年长受试者则更多地将使用AAS视为一种基于运动的现象，比如提高运动成绩。两组都认为媒体趋势以及对理想男性身体的认知正在变得“超人化”，如果不借助化学手段就无法实现。了解态度观点可能有助于补充关于AAS趋势的国家数据。未来的调查可能有助于教练和相关健康专业人员相互协作，以及与国家团体和基金会合作，制定更合适的策略来应对这一日益严重的运动和公共健康问题。
