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Table 3 Source of information, benefit, and adverse effects of APESs as reported by study participants

From: The prevalence of misusing over-the-counter and prescribed drugs in Syrian gymnasiums for performance-enhancing reasons: a cross-sectional study

Characteristic

Frequency (%)

Knowing performance-enhancing substances (APES)

 Yes

53.8%

 No

46.2%

Source of information

 Coach

20.9%

 Friends

28.4%

 Internet

48.6%

 No answer

2.1%

Using APES

 Yes

34.9%

 No

65.1%

Benefit of using APESs (n = 133)

 With benefit

69.2%

 Without benefit

30.8%

Adverse effects of using APESs

 Hypertension

3.5%

 Heart palpitation

6.2%

 Psychology problems

5.6%

 Testicular atrophy

1.4%

 Persistent and painful erection

0.7%

 Tachycardia

2.8%

 No answer

8.3%

 No side effects

71.5%

Adverse effects without any benefit (n = 42)

 Hypertension

4.6%

 Heart palpitation

9.2%

 Psychology problems

2.3%

 Testicular atrophy

2.3%

 Persistent and painful erection

0%

 Tachycardia

4.6%

 No answer

7%

 No side effects

70%