Awareness and Knowledge of Adverse Effects of Topical Corticosteroids Among the General Population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose Corticosteroids are naturally produced in the adrenal cortex and regulate a variety of physiological processes, including but not limited to, stress homeostasis, metabolism, and inflammation. As synthetic steroids exert the same effects as natural steroids, they are used in the treatment of various skin conditions. Synthetic steroids are delivered in a variety of forms, such as topical preparations, oral preparations, and injections. Topical steroids are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in dermatology clinics. Although topical steroids were thought to provide maximum benefit with no side effects, many side effects have been reported by topical corticosteroid users. Therefore, this study examined awareness and knowledge regarding topical steroids among the general population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study involving 426 subjects in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Subjects completed a self-administered questionnaire, and data were collected from February to April 2023. The questionnaire assessed age, sex, education level, occupation, and general knowledge regarding the side effects of topical steroids. Results The study cohort was predominantly female (77%). Half of the participants were aged 21–39 years. Most of the subjects (70%) were steroid users, and the most common reported indication for steroid use was undetermined (37.6%). Nearly half of the participants did not know whether steroids were dangerous, and 59.4% did not know that topical steroids can cause systemic effects. Conclusion This study assesses knowledge regarding topical steroids among the general population in the western region of Saudi Arabia. The results revealed a lack of knowledge regarding the side effects of topical steroids. Awareness of potential topical steroid side effects should be increased among the general population to minimize the occurrence of serious side effects.

Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Topical Corticosteroids Among Previous Users in the General Population of Saudi Arabia

“…The study further reveals a notable gender disparity in knowledge, with female participants exhibiting significantly higher scores than their male counterparts. Likewise, gender-based differences in knowledge have been reported in previous local studies, as 16.0% of females were able to identify acne, photosensitivity, purpura, hirsutism, and skin pigmentation as adverse effects of topical corticosteroids, compared to only 4.2% of males [ 12 ]. This discrepancy may indicate gender differences in health literacy and engagement in dermatologic care in our population, which warrants further exploration.…”