Musculação, uso de esteroides anabolizantes e percepção de risco entre jovens fisiculturistas de um bairro popular de salvador, bahia, brasil

ARTIGO ARTICLE

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Musculação, uso de esteróides anabolizantes e percepção de risco entre jovens fisiculturistas de um bairro popular de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil Body-building, steroid use, and risk perception among young body-builders from a low-income neighborhood in the city of Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil
Jorge Alberto Bernstein Iriart Tarcísio Matos de Andrade 2
1

1 Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia. Rua Padre Feijó 29, Salvador, BA 40110-170, Brasil. [e-mail] 2 Pós-graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal da Bahia. Rua Pedro Lessa 123, Salvador, BA 40110-050, Brasil. [e-mail]

Abstract Recent studies in different countries have shown an increase in anabolic steroid consumption among young people and the harm caused by indiscriminate use. In Brazil, research on steroid abuse is scarce. The present study examines the risk perception of health problems associated with anabolic steroid consumption among young working-class adults engaged in body-building practices in a poor neighborhood in the city of Salvador, Bahia. The methodology involved an anthropological approach based on qualitative research techniques consisting of ethnography, in-depth interviews, and a focus group with steroid users. The data describe the most common substances consumed and highlight the lack of information among interviewees concerning potential related health hazards, showing that for many steroid consumers the quest for muscle-mass development to achieve an idealized body supersedes the risk of harmful side effects. The results indicate the need for culturally sensitive measures to prevent steroid abuse among youth. Key words Substance Abuse; Anabolic Steroids; Exercise; Risk Factors; Anthropology Resumo Estudos recentes em diferentes países têm apontado o aumento do consumo de esteróides anabolizantes entre jovens fisiculturistas e atletas, e os danos à saúde causados pelo seu uso indiscriminado.