Knowledge, attitude and practice on nutrition, body image, and visuospatial test performance of self-administered anabolic androgenic steroid among male bodybuilders / Mohd Nur Ikhwan Shafiee

The anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) is a hormonal derivative including testosterone. The substances are used by the athletes to enhance performance and appearance either legally or illegally. There are many studies had been done on the physiological and psychological effects of AAS administration. This present study would measure the effects of AAS intakes of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on nutrition, body image dissatisfaction and visuospatial test performance. Participants were recruited from eight Gymnasium Rakyat 1 Malaysia in Selangor. 14 participants voluntarily participate in this study consisted of seven AAS users (AASU) and seven non-AAS users (NAAS). Self-administered KAP questionnaire which contained information about nutrients, food groups, diet and 24 hours food diary were completed by participants. Adonis Complex Questionnaire (MRT) and Mental Rotation Test (MRT) also completed by participants for measuring body image dissatisfaction and visuospatial ability respectively. Independent t-test found significant difference in total caloric intake (p= 0.024), body image (p= 0.048), MRT (p= 0.039), protein intake from supplements (p= 0.002) and fat intake (p= 0.014). However, there was no significant difference was found on other variables. The most consumable supplements were protein powder (100%), followed by amino acid (78.5%) and vitamins (71%). The findings would contribute to the body of knowledge especially on the AAS abuse in this country. Findings also suggested the need for AAS awareness campaign and nutrition education among the bodybuilders in Malaysia. Small sample sizes may limit the generalisation of the results of this study. More participants should be included in future research especially among AAS users.