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Use of Topical Steroids in Dermatology: A Questionnaire Based Study
Sonali R Karekar1, Padmaja A Marathe1, Vetrivel Babu Nagarajan1
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Indian Dermatology Online Journal
|November 25, 2020
Summary
Patient knowledge of topical steroid indications and side effects is low, particularly among those treated in the community. Improved patient education and prescribing practices are needed to address misuse of these common dermatological drugs.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Topical steroids are frequently prescribed in dermatology but are subject to misuse.
- Assessing patient knowledge and prescription practices is crucial for safe and effective use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient knowledge and practices concerning topical steroid use.
- To analyze prescriptions for topical steroids.
Main Methods:
- A pre-validated questionnaire assessed knowledge and practices in 400 patients.
- Patients were categorized into institutional and community-treated groups.
- Chi-square tests and descriptive statistics were used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Only 5.5% knew the drug type, and 31.25% knew the indication.
- Awareness of prescription requirements was 33.75%, and side effect awareness was 5.6%.
- Institutional patients showed better knowledge, but side effect awareness was poor in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Institutional patients demonstrate better knowledge than community-treated patients regarding topical steroids.
- There is a significant need for enhanced patient education on topical steroid use and side effects.
- Interventions are required to curb irrational prescribing patterns in the community.
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