Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use Among Gym-Goers

NCT07702110 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: UoBaghdad_AYousif_2406p
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 120
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy of a Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-based behavior-change intervention, delivered through stage-matched counseling sessions, on anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use among gym-goers, compared with a control group receiving standard health education. Non-medical AAS use is a growing public health concern in gym and fitness settings and is associated with serious cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic, and psychiatric harms. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a TTM-based intervention group or a control group. The intervention will tailor counseling content to each participant's stage of change (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, or maintenance) regarding AAS use. The findings of this study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of stage-based behavioral counseling in reducing AAS use and progressing gym-goers toward safer, drug-free training practices.

Conditions

Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Use; Substance-Related Disorders

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• primary outcome meaure

  Stage of change for anabolic-androgenic steroid use Stage of change will be assessed using a validated, AAS-adapted staging algorithm based on the Transtheoretical Model (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance). This outcome will evaluate participants' readiness to reduce or discontinue AAS use. Forward stage progression indicates a positive treatment effect.

  Baseline, immediately after completion of the assigned intervention (post-test 1), and 8 weeks after completion of the intervention (post-test 2).]

• Change in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use Behavior

  The primary outcome is the change in anabolic-androgenic steroid use behavior from baseline to the end of the intervention, assessed using a validated questionnaire.

  Baseline to 6 months after randomization

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Change Behavior

  Immediately after completion of the assigned intervention (post-test 1) and 8 weeks after completion of the intervention (post-test

Study Arms (2)

TTM Intervention Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive an individualized, stage-matched behavioral counseling program targeting reduction and cessation of nonmedical anabolic-androgenic steroid use.

Behavioral: TTM-Based Intervention for AAS Use Reduction A structured, multi-session counseling intervention grounded in the Transtheoretical Model. Content and techniques (e.g., consciousness raising, decisional

Control Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will receive standard printed health education materials on the risks of anabolic-androgenic steroid use, without stage-matched counseling.

Behavioral: TTM-Based Intervention for AAS Use Reduction A structured, multi-session counseling intervention grounded in the Transtheoretical Model. Content and techniques (e.g., consciousness raising, decisional

Interventions

TTM-Based Intervention for AAS Use Reduction A structured, multi-session counseling intervention grounded in the Transtheoretical Model. Content and techniques (e.g., consciousness raising, decisional BEHAVIORAL

Participants receive a standard pamphlet/handout describing the physical and psychological risks of AAS use, consistent with routine health promotion practice at the study site.

Control Group; TTM Intervention Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• ● Adult gym members regularly attending the study fitness center(s)
• ● Male or female, aged 18 years or older
• ● Current or past-year non-medical use of anabolic-androgenic steroids, or identified as at risk of initiating use
• ● Willing to participate and provide informed consent
• ● Able to attend the assigned intervention sessions and complete study assessments

You may not qualify if:

• ● Nurses/participants who do not agree to participate in the study
• ● Use of AAS under current medical supervision/prescription for a diagnosed condition
• ● Not available during the study intervention or follow-up period
• ● Unable to attend the assigned intervention sessions
• ● Do not complete the required study assessments
• ● Participated in the pilot study

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Alaa Yousif Ayed Ahmed: lead

Study Sites (1)

Fitness Center

Mosul, Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

Location

Related Links

• Related Info

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Substance-Related Disorders

Interventions

Methods

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Chemically-Induced Disorders; Mental Disorders

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Investigative Techniques

Study Officials

• Raad kareem Faraj K Faraj, PhD

  University of Baghdad college of nursing

  STUDY CHAIR

• Faraj, PhD

  University of Baghdad college of nursing

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Central Study Contacts

Alaa Yousif Ayed Y Ayed, Msc

CONTACT

9467518526800; Alaa.Aayid2406p@conursing.uobaghdad.edu.iq

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Nursing Instructor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 8, 2026
• First Posted: July 14, 2026
• Study Start: July 8, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): March 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): April 1, 2027
• Last Updated: July 14, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

IR (1)