Modifiable Determinants of Psychological Harms among Male Image and Performance Enhancing Drug Consumers.

BACKGROUND

Image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) are linked to undesirable psychological effects (e.g., depression), influenced by various factors. This study examined associations between non-modifiable (e.g. age) and modifiable (e.g. prescription status, dosage regimen, polypharmacy load) factors and psychological effects among male IPED consumers.

METHODS

Data from 785 males (median age = 30) reporting past-year IPED consumption in the 2024 Global Drug Survey were analyzed. Chi-squared tests assessed associations between modifiable and non-modifiable factors with psychological effects, followed by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Increasing age was significantly associated with lower psychological risk. Blast and cruise dosing was associated with increased irritability (OR = 3.69, CI [1.44, 3.69], p < 0.001). Polypharmacy involving two IPEDs was associated with lower odds of depression (OR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.28, 0.73], p = 0.001). Prescription status showed no significant association with psychological effects.

CONCLUSION

Psychological effects reflect age, dosing, and polypharmacy patterns, highlighting the need for tailored harm reduction.