Public Awareness of Corticosteroid Use and Side Effects: a Cross-Sectional Study from Jordan

Corticosteroid usage is very widespread these days. However, the way corticosteroids are administered, the side effects of the drug and the risks associated with its usage are not widely known.

The authors evaluated the responses of a diverse group who were aware of the methods of corticosteroid administration, side effects and information provided by the health care provider. To assess the awareness level and identify the gaps in knowledge descriptive statistics were used.

The study was a cross sectional online survey conducted during July and December of 2024 using non-probability convenience sampling. A collection of queries were used to test knowledge of steroids as well as its effects. The sample included Jordanians aged 18 and above. The data was analyzed using logistic regression and chi-square with the SPSS (version 27).

From the participants, it was seen that 39.8% used corticosteroids. The most recognized were the oral (81%) and intravenous (60.9%). Most commonly noticed side effects were weight gain (81%) and mood swings (45.9%), rare ones being anemia (7%) and epilepsy (4.3%) were less known. There was high awareness about corticosteroid use in respiratory illnesses like asthma (71%) and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid disease (64%), but awareness about their use in metabolic and oncological diseases was limited. Only 40.9% of participants said that side effects info was provided to them.

There were significant gaps in community awareness which might compromise the therapeutic utility of corticosteroids.