Prevalence of Ergogenic Substances in Iranian Atheletes

The survey is to investigate the prevalence of the use of ergogenic drugs and suplements in Iranian sports clubs. The statistical population of this national survey was the organized athletes of the country in 2020 which 12020 athletes from 17 provinces of the country were selected by cluster sampling methoth, and by using online form, the questionnaire was disturbed to measure the prevalence of ergogenic substances among the more than 50 active sports disciplines in these provinces. After distributing and collecting the necessary information, the data get coded and imported in SPSS software. The results showed that 1859 athletes out of 12020 athletes participating in this survey (15/465% of the total participants in this survey) have consumed ergogenic substances. Among the ergogenic drugs used, the most common among Iranian athletes were weight loss drugs (3/560%), anabolic steroids (3/028%) and appetite suppressants (1/921%), respectively and among ergogenic supplements were the most common vitamin supplements (9/858%), protein supplements (9/367%) and creatine، respectively. Of course, this pattern was different between male and female athletes. Also, the results of stepwise multivariate regression analysis identified the most important variables affecting ergogenic consumption in Iranian athletes were seriousness in training and continuing training even in coronary conditions, having a suggestion of energy consumption, having friends or acquaintances consuming ergogenic substance, information regarding the use of energy products, gender, sport, age and trying to get accurate information about ergogenic substance which explains 55% of the variability of the score of ergogenic substance prevalence in Iranian athletes. Based on the information provided in this survey, it was found that about 15% of Iranian athletes use energetic substances, which was higher in male athletes, and of course, a significant percentage was used energetic substances among women. Some of these substances are of very dangerous and proven side effects and seriously threaten the health of Iranian athletes. Acoording the result of this research, politicians and related officials should formulate prevention and educational programs in each region of the country.