Isotretinoin Concerns in Switzerland: A Student-Based Transversal Study.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pharmacology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Patient concerns regarding isotretinoin can influence treatment initiation and adherence.
• Limited research exists on student-specific concerns and the impact of educational interventions for isotretinoin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess concerns about isotretinoin among students with prior knowledge.
• To identify factors associated with these concerns.
• To evaluate the effect of an informational fact sheet on isotretinoin concerns.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via social media to students.
• Participants' concerns about isotretinoin, information sources, and treatment history were collected.
• A before-and-after design assessed the impact of reading an isotretinoin fact sheet.

Main Results:

• Over half of the 528 participants reported concerns, primarily xerosis cutis and depression.
• Nearly half of those with prior isotretinoin use found concerns affected adherence.
• Information from relatives, acquaintances, and physicians was most relied upon; a fact sheet had no significant impact on concerns (p=0.22).
• Female students, pharmacy students, and those with an acne history showed higher concerns.

Conclusions:

• Student concerns about isotretinoin are prevalent in Switzerland.
• Written educational materials did not effectively reduce existing concerns.
• Enhanced patient education regarding isotretinoin's potential side effects is crucial.