Evaluating Behavioural and Harm Reduction Outcomes from the World-First Steroid Checking Trial
Tracks
Marquis Room - In-Person Only
| Wednesday, May 27, 2026 |
| 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM |
Overview
Timothy Piakowski, University of Queensland
Details
Three Key Learnings
1. Real-world dissemination of AAS testing data can directly shape safer use intentions among consumers.
2. Concern about product quality is a behavioural motivator to reduce use of AAS.
3. Community-led, scientifically validated AAS checking models like this can engage AAS consumers who remain disconnected from healthcare.
1. Real-world dissemination of AAS testing data can directly shape safer use intentions among consumers.
2. Concern about product quality is a behavioural motivator to reduce use of AAS.
3. Community-led, scientifically validated AAS checking models like this can engage AAS consumers who remain disconnected from healthcare.
Speaker
Dr Timothy Piatkowski
Senior Research Fellow
University of Queensland
Evaluating Behavioural and Harm Reduction Outcomes from the World-First Steroid Checking Trial
Abstract
Introduction: People who use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) face significant risks from counterfeit and contaminated products, compounded by limited access to substance-specific harm reduction services. The World’s First Steroid Checking Trial was developed to address these gaps through a multi-wave, mixed-method program combining chemical analysis, community feedback, and behavioural follow-up. This study examined whether exposure to AAS testing results, covering compound identity and dosage accuracy, influenced consumer intentions and harm reduction behaviours.
Methods: Conducted across three waves between 2024–2025, the trial implemented a two-phase design at each wave: (1) laboratory testing of community-submitted AAS samples for compound verification and dosage accuracy, and (2) dissemination of aggregated results and harm reduction messaging through public reports and social media. Following dissemination in Wave 3, AAS consumers completed a survey assessing demographics, AAS use, healthcare access, and behavioural intentions after engaging with testing results. Logistic regression explored predictors of behaviour change, including perceived helpfulness, confidence to change, product quality concerns, prior health effects, and healthcare barriers.
Results: Among 105 samples, 22% were mislabelled and 50% were underdosed. Of 117 participants, most were men (97.4%; M = 32 years). Nearly all (95.7%) found testing data helpful, and 45.3% reported modifying their use—most commonly adjusting dosage or ceasing a product. Although the overall model was non-significant, concern about product quality predicted behaviour change (OR = 1.57, p = .026).
Conclusions: These findings indicate that perceived product quality most strongly motivates harm reduction behaviour among AAS consumers. Disseminating credible, evidence-based testing data can drive proactive behaviour change even outside formal healthcare settings, supporting the case for permanent, community-integrated AAS checking programs.
Methods: Conducted across three waves between 2024–2025, the trial implemented a two-phase design at each wave: (1) laboratory testing of community-submitted AAS samples for compound verification and dosage accuracy, and (2) dissemination of aggregated results and harm reduction messaging through public reports and social media. Following dissemination in Wave 3, AAS consumers completed a survey assessing demographics, AAS use, healthcare access, and behavioural intentions after engaging with testing results. Logistic regression explored predictors of behaviour change, including perceived helpfulness, confidence to change, product quality concerns, prior health effects, and healthcare barriers.
Results: Among 105 samples, 22% were mislabelled and 50% were underdosed. Of 117 participants, most were men (97.4%; M = 32 years). Nearly all (95.7%) found testing data helpful, and 45.3% reported modifying their use—most commonly adjusting dosage or ceasing a product. Although the overall model was non-significant, concern about product quality predicted behaviour change (OR = 1.57, p = .026).
Conclusions: These findings indicate that perceived product quality most strongly motivates harm reduction behaviour among AAS consumers. Disseminating credible, evidence-based testing data can drive proactive behaviour change even outside formal healthcare settings, supporting the case for permanent, community-integrated AAS checking programs.
Biography
Dr. Timothy Piatkowski is a peer researcher at The University of Queensland with over $7.5 million in research funding and more than 150 publications. He is an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, and examines how individual behaviours and systemic factors, such as stigma and healthcare barriers, shape risk among steroid consumers. His work has been recognised through the AIVL Peer Researcher Recognition Award (2024) and the APSAD Kyp Kypri Early Career Researcher Award (2024). Dr. Piatkowski leads pioneering, peer-led initiatives including the world’s first steroid checking trial and the Steroid QNECT program.
