The COVID-19 Global Pandemic and Changes in Preference and Behaviour Regarding Selected Anabolic Androgenic Substances and Steroids – A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) and the ensuing global public health emergency situation have led to restrictions, changes, and measures in the daily life of society as a whole. The situation culminated in a global pandemic. A number of strict restrictions were adopted to curb the spread of COVID-19. These also affected athletes. After their return to regular strength and endurance training, there may be changes in preferences and behaviour regarding anabolic androgens and steroids (AAS) in this population segment.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a relationship between the potential interest in information retrieval and a possible subsequent change in preferences and behaviour regarding banned AAS before and after COVID-19 and the country of the respondent.

METHODS: The Web of Science and Scopus databases were used to work with the secondary data. The primary data was processed using the technique of quantitative research and selected mathematical statistical methods. The total number of respondents was 220, with 127 from the Czech Republic and 93 from the Slovak Republic. The snowball method was used for data collection.

RESULTS: The results showed that there could be a relationship between the change in respondents’ preferences and behaviour in relation to banned AAS before and after COVID-19 and the country of the respondents.

CONCLUSIONS: The most common motive for a change in behaviour and preferences regarding banned AAS was the same for both countries, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. The other motives differed for each country despite the fact that both countries share similar characteristics otherwise.