Modifiable Determinants of Psychological Harms among Male Image and Performance Enhancing Drug Consumers

BACKGROUND: Image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) are linked to undesirable psychological effects (e.g., depression), influenced by various factors. This study examined associations between non-modifiable (e.g. age) and modifiable (e.g. prescription status, dosage regimen, polypharmacy load) factors and psychological effects among male IPED consumers. METHODS: Data from 785 males (median age = 30) reporting past-year IPED consumption in the 2024 Global Drug Survey were analyzed. Chi-squared tests assessed associations between modifiable and non-modifiable factors with psychological effects, followed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: = 0.001). Prescription status showed no significant association with psychological effects. CONCLUSION: Psychological effects reflect age, dosing, and polypharmacy patterns, highlighting the need for tailored harm reduction.