Objective

To evaluate the effects of an appearance programme in preventing the misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids among male adolescents in a primary health care area in Sweden.

Methods

Attitudes to steroid hormones among 16-17 years old male and female adolescents are discussed. A well-established anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire was answered by 921 adolescents and statistically analysed.

Results

The misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids tended to decrease after the intervention.

Conclusions

The misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids did not increase, and even tended to decrease, after the intervention, indicating that drug-abuse among male adolescents can be decreased through discussions about appearance and attitudes. Repeat and prospective studies have to be done before this intervention programme can be generalised.