The Self-Reported Prevalence of Synthetic Peptide Use Among Bodybuilding and Fitness Gym Members in Al-Muthanna Governorate, Iraq

benefit and harm in the sports field

Abstract

Abstract:  The use of synthetic peptides for bodybuilding, fitness, and performance enhancement has raised concerns regarding their safety, efficacy, and regulatory status. However, information about their use among gym members in specific local settings remains limited. This study aimed to describe the self reported prevalence of synthetic peptide use among bodybuilding and fitness gym members in Al Muthanna Governorate, Iraq. A cross sectional survey was conducted across five bodybuilding and fitness gyms. The study population comprised 1,291 gym members, of whom 325 participated in an electronic questionnaire survey. The questionnaire collected self-reported information on synthetic peptide use. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the responses and compare reported use across the five gyms. Of the 325 respondents, 71 reported using synthetic peptides, corresponding to a self reported prevalence of 21.8 Percent. The number of reported users varied across the gyms, ranging from 7 in G5 to 22 in G1. However, the prevalence among respondents was relatively similar across the five facilities, ranging from 20.8 percent in G4 to 22.6 percent in G5. The overall response rate was 25.2 percent of the identified study population.  Self reported synthetic peptide use was observed among respondents from all five gyms surveyed in Al Muthanna Governorate. These findings highlight the importance of evidence based health education for gym members and fitness professionals regarding the potential risks, uncertain benefits, and regulatory status of performance enhancing substances. However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the limited response rate, reliance on self reported data, and lack of information about the specific substances and patterns of use. Further research using more representative sampling and detailed substance-specific assessments is warranted.

Abstrak: Penggunaan peptida sintetik untuk binaraga, kebugaran, dan peningkatan performa telah menimbulkan kekhawatiran terkait keamanan, efikasi, serta status regulasinya. Namun, informasi mengenai penggunaannya di kalangan anggota pusat kebugaran (gym) dalam lingkup lokal tertentu masih terbatas. Studi ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan prevalensi penggunaan peptida sintetik berdasarkan laporan mandiri di kalangan anggota pusat kebugaran binaraga dan kebugaran di Provinsi Al-Muthanna, Irak. Survei potong lintang (cross sectional) dilakukan di lima pusat kebugaran binaraga dan kebugaran. Populasi studi mencakup 1.291 anggota pusat kebugaran, dengan 325 orang di antaranya berpartisipasi dalam survei melalui kuesioner elektronik. Kuesioner tersebut mengumpulkan data berdasarkan laporan mandiri mengenai penggunaan peptida sintetik. Statistik deskriptif, termasuk frekuensi dan persentase, digunakan untuk merangkum respons serta membandingkan tingkat penggunaan di kelima pusat kebugaran tersebut. Dari 325 responden, 71 orang melaporkan menggunakan peptida sintetik, yang menunjukkan prevalensi sebesar 21,8 persen berdasarkan laporan mandiri. Jumlah pengguna yang dilaporkan bervariasi antar pusat kebugaran, mulai dari 7 orang di G5 hingga 22 orang di G1. Akan tetapi, prevalensi di antara responden relatif serupa di kelima fasilitas tersebut, berkisar antara 20,8 persen di G4 hingga 22,6 persen di G5. Tingkat respons keseluruhan adalah 25,2 persen dari populasi studi yang teridentifikasi. Penggunaan peptida sintetik berdasarkan laporan mandiri ditemukan di kalangan responden dari kelima pusat kebugaran yang disurvei di Provinsi Al-Muthanna. Temuan ini menyoroti pentingnya edukasi kesehatan berbasis bukti bagi anggota pusat kebugaran dan profesional di bidang kebugaran mengenai potensi risiko, manfaat yang belum pasti, serta status regulasi zat zat peningkat performa. Meski demikian, temuan ini harus diinterpretasikan dengan hati-hati mengingat tingkat respons yang terbatas, ketergantungan pada data laporan mandiri, serta kurangnya informasi mengenai jenis zat spesifik dan pola penggunaannya. Penelitian lebih lanjut dengan pengambilan sampel yang lebih representatif dan penilaian mendetail mengenai zat-zat tertentu sangat diperlukan.