The study was cross-sectional descriptive that aimed to determine the motivations, knowledge and practices on androgenic-anabolic steroid (AAS) use among gym attendees in selected fitness gyms in Zamboanga City, the results of which, could be a basis in developing a need-based health promotion advocacy targeting this population. This was conducted in the 10 most populous fitness gyms within Zamboanga City and sample size was estimated to be at 284. Respondents were selected through systematic random sampling wherein every 2nd gym attendee who consented and fulfilled the inclusion criteria was chosen to be a part of the study. Three hundred twenty-four participants were included and consent form as well a questionnaire containing questions about the profile, knowledge, practices, motivations for AAS use and the side effects experienced by the users were handed out to the respondents. Data gathering was done in selected dates of May 2019. Data were then collated and analyzed using tables, frequencies and percentages. Results showed that most of the respondents (135 or 42%) belonged to the 18-25 years age group, predominantly male (81%), single, reached college level (60%) and work as private employees (33%). It also revealed that majority of the respondents (33%) were enrolled in the gym for 2 years or more, 43% visit the gym for 4-5 days per week, 55% train or use the gym for 1 hour to less than 2 hours per visit. It showed 14.5% (47 out of 324) prevalence of AAS use among the respondents, predominantly males (46 out of 47 or 98% of the identified users) mostly motivated by their desire to improve body appearance, increase power and participate in competitions. Results yielded poor outcome as far as knowledge on AAS is concerned. Only 8 out of 47 (17%) for AAS users and 24 out of 277 (9%) for non-users have good knowledge. For practices regarding AAS, injectable form (75%), predominantly testosterone is the most commonly used. Use of AAS, especially with the injectable form was complex. Varying frequencies, dosages, timings and sites employed by the users were noted. This complexity was accompanied by risky practices such as users getting injected in the gyms (66%). Although mostly administered by a trained provider, still, 27% and 22% was given untrained person and self-administered, respectively. Results also showed that, most of the used needles were disposed in a usual garbage bin and one respondent reported sharing needle with other user. Side effects were also reported by the users where acne, irritability and uncontrollable anger as the top complaints. Some also reported elevated blood pressure, tremors and other unwanted effects. The study showed that misuse of AAS especially the improper handling of used needles aggravated by poor knowledge is a public health threat and that intervention must be done to address this public health concern.

Keyword: Motivations, knowledge, and practices Androgenic-anabolic steroid use Attendees in fitness gyms