JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The non-medical use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and other image- and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) has become a major global substance use disorder and a growing risk for public health - particularly among males in recreational sports. The development of a substance dependence is common among users of AAS besides many more known acute and long-term complications that may affect all levels of health - physical, mental, and social well-being. Importantly, these substances are prohibited by regulatory agencies and strigct legal regulations often apply when providing care for users of these substances.

Objective:

The objective of this project is to develop best practice guidance for health care professionals in primary care to adequately provide medical care for users of AAS in the primary care setting.

Methods:

For the development of best practice guidance, the Delphi consensus method will be applied. Delphi is a questionnaire technique that uses multiple iterations designed to develop a consensus concerning a specific topic among an expert panel. The conduct of this study follows the criteria on conducting and reporting of Delphi studies (CREDES). The critical appraisal of a Delphi study in healthcare follows a four-step methodological process, including i) identification of problem area (mixed-method approach), ii) selection of panel (medical experts), iii) iterative Delphi rounds (quantitative surveys, qualitative feedback), and iv) closing criteria (consensus; primary outcome). Descriptive statistics will be used regarding primary outcomes (consensus).

Results:

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study protocol.

Conclusions:

With the development of best practice guidance for health care professionals we expect to integrate this novel substance use disorder into primary care structures for this user population and raise awareness on this novel substance use disorder. As a strength, primary care could offer a low-threshold access to medical care for patients suffering from AAS-related health complications. By establishing clinical guidance for patients with AAS use for the future inplementation within primary care, the role of primary care can be strengthened from a clinical as well as public health perspective. Importantly, knowledge on legal restrictions is crucial to protect medical doctors from legal action and to counteract their according fears when providing care to this patient population. Clinical Trial: Due to the nature of this research, a trial registration is not applicable.