Evaluation of knowledge, experiences, and fear toward prescribing and dispensing corticosteroids among Egyptian healthcare professionals: A cross-sectional study

Cost and availability of high-dose oral prednisone for management of optic neuritis

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the cost and availability of 1250 mg of oral prednisone for treatment of optic neuritis across pharmacies in Toronto.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study PARTICIPANTS: Data collected from 70 pharmacies, across 4 regions in Toronto, Ontario, Canada METHODS: Data were collected from 70 pharmacies on cost and availability for 3- and 5-day courses of prednisone. Pharmacist hesitancy was assessed on the basis of the readiness of the pharmacist to dispense the required dose of medication.

RESULTS

The average cost for a 3-day course of prednisone was $29.10 CAD, and for a 5-day course was $40.40 CAD. Availability was lowest in independent pharmacies (23.8%) and highest in chain pharmacies (47.6%). Although no significant association between availability and pharmacy type was found (χ2 [1; N = 63] = 3.66; p = 0.06), the direction of the effect still shows an indication of chain pharmacies having higher stock. Chain pharmacies also exhibited the highest cost variability. Finally, 40% of pharmacists had some hesitancy or refused to dispense the appropriate dose.

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited availability of high-dose prednisone across Toronto, with chain pharmacies offering the highest availability but at a higher cost. There is significant hesitancy about dispensing this prednisone dose among pharmacists. Clinicians should be aware of these trends when prescribing medication for optic neuritis. Neuro-ophthalmologists should aim to develop relationships with pharmacies to improve timely administration of this medication.

Assessment of Knowledge, Perception, Experience, and Phobia Toward Corticosteroids Among the General Public in Two Southeast Asian Countries

The widespread use of corticosteroids, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has emphasized their therapeutic benefits while also raising public concerns regarding their safety and side effects. This study aims to assess the public's knowledge, perceptions, experiences, and corticophobia related to corticosteroid use in Indonesia and Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-validated online questionnaire distributed to the general public. Descriptive statistics, knowledge and corticophobia score computations, and linear regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. A total of 553 participants were included in the study, with a majority being female (n = 403, 72.9%) and a median age of 22 ± 5 years. The results revealed inadequate knowledge among participants, with a median score of 7 (interquartile range [IQR] ± 4) out of 14. The corticophobia score was moderate, with a median of 3 (IQR ± 1.8) out of 5. Age demonstrated a significant positive association with knowledge (β = .141, P = .022). Additionally, individuals from the health sector exhibited significantly higher knowledge and lower corticophobia compared to those from non-health sectors (β = -.427, P < .001). This study identified significant knowledge gaps and moderate levels of corticophobia regarding corticosteroid use in Malaysia and Indonesia. These findings underscore the need for enhanced public education and targeted healthcare interventions to address misconceptions and improve awareness of corticosteroids.

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

Background

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.

Objective

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.

Methods

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).

Results

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.

Conclusion

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

An evaluation of pharmacists' general attitudes, knowledge, and phobias regarding medications that include corticosteroids: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroid-containing medications are widely accessible in various forms, including topical, injectable, and inhaled formulations. Due to uncertain safety profiles, healthcare providers, including pharmacists, often express apprehension when dispensing these drugs. This cross-sectional study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and phobia of Jordanian pharmacists regarding corticosteroid-containing medications.

METHODS

Conducted through a self-administered online questionnaire.

RESULTS

the study reveals that dermatological conditions and respiratory disorders are the primary indications for prescribing corticosteroid-containing drugs. The most reported side effects among pharmacists' patients include increased appetite, diabetes, and skin thinning. Pharmacists generally exhibit acceptable knowledge, with a median score of 9.0 out of 11.0 (IQR = 3.0). Over two-thirds of pharmacists (69.9%) achieve a high knowledge score (Bloom's cut-off point ≥ 8.8). However, only 55.7% are aware that corticosteroids may induce mood changes. High phobia scores, particularly concerning increased blood pressure and osteoporosis risks, indicate pharmacist reservations in corticosteroid dispensing. Interestingly, pharmacists in rural areas display lower knowledge scores, while those working outside community pharmacies exhibit lower phobia scores compared to their counterparts in urban areas and community pharmacies, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Despite generally good knowledge levels, the study underscores high phobia scores among Jordanian pharmacists regarding corticosteroid dispensing, particularly due to concerns about blood pressure elevation and osteoporosis risks. This suggests a potential need for targeted educational interventions and support systems to enhance pharmacist confidence and optimize corticosteroid usage while minimizing associated risks.