A focused netnographic study exploring experiences associated with counterfeit and contaminated anabolic-androgenic steroids

A focused netnographic study exploring experiences associated with counterfeit and contaminated anabolic-androgenic steroids / Evelyn Frude, Fiona H. McKay, Matthew Dunn

  • Harm Reduction Journal 17 (2020) 42 (12 June)
  • DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00387-y


Abstract

Background

A primary consequence of illicit drug markets and the absence of regulation is the variable quality or purity of the final product. Analysis of anabolic-androgenic steroid seizures shows that these products can contain adulterated products, product not included on the label, or product of unsatisfactory standard. While the potential negative effects of counterfeit anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) use is a recognised risk associated with use, no study has explored personal experiences associated with use. The aim of the present study was to use online discussion forums to investigate and explore the experiences associated with the purchase and consumption of counterfeit AAS among consumers.

Methods

An online search was conducted to identify online forums that discussed counterfeit or contaminated AAS; three were deemed suitable for the study. The primary source of data for this study was the ‘threads’ from these online forums, identified using search terms including ‘counterfeit’, ‘tampered’, and ‘fake’. Threads were thematically analysed for overall content, leading to the identification of themes.

Results

Data from 134 threads (2743 posts from 875 unique avatars) was included. Two main themes were identified from the analysis: (1) experiences with counterfeit product and (2) harms and benefits associated with counterfeit product.

Conclusions

The use of counterfeit or contaminated substances represents a public health concern. Those who report using performance and image enhancing drugs such as AAS for non-medical purposes report consuming these substances and experiencing harm as a result. Consumers take steps to limit coming into contact with counterfeit or contaminated product, though recognise that many of these have limitations. The implementation of accessible drug safety checking services may provide an opportunity to provide consumers with information to assist them with making healthier choices.

Original document

Parameters

Science
Research / Study
Date
12 June 2020
People
Dunn, Matthew
Frude, Evelyn
McKay, Fiona H.
Country
Australia
Language
English
Other organisations
Deakin University
Doping classes
S1. Anabolic Agents
Medical terms
Health effects
Various
Contamination
Counterfeit drug
Illegal production / trade
Internet / Social media
Document category
Scientific article
Document type
Pdf file
Date generated
11 May 2022
Date of last modification
23 January 2023
Category
  • Legal Source
  • Education
  • Science
  • Statistics
  • History
Country & language
  • Country
  • Language
Other filters
  • ADRV
  • Legal Terms
  • Sport/IFs
  • Other organisations
  • Laboratories
  • Analytical aspects
  • Doping classes
  • Substances
  • Medical terms
  • Various
  • Version
  • Document category
  • Document type
Publication period
Origin