DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

General Public Knowledge Regarding Topical Corticosteroids: A Nationwide Survey in South Korea

  • Seo, Heenam (Clinical Research Laboratory College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Song, Seoung Yeon (Clinical Research Laboratory College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Kim, Dahye (Department of Pharmaceutical Industry, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Park, Ji Hwan (Department of Pharmaceutical Industry, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Shin, Yoonho (Department of Pharmaceutical Industry, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Lee, Kang Hyuk (Department of Pharmaceutical Industry, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Choi, Soo An (College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Korea University) ;
  • Lee, Ju-Yeun (College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University) ;
  • Kim, Do Young (Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Shin, Wan Gyoon (College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University) ;
  • Kim, Eunyoung (Clinical Research Laboratory College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University)
  • 투고 : 2022.03.31
  • 심사 : 2022.05.18
  • 발행 : 2022.06.30

초록

Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are available both as over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines at pharmacies. Although they are generally safe drugs, inappropriate and excessive use could result in potential side effects. Thus, it is important to have appropriate knowledge regarding the use of TCs. We performed a cross-sectional survey to assess public knowledge and the potential misuse or overuse of TCs. Methods: A cross-sectional and nationwide online survey was conducted among participants who were aware of TCs. The survey items included sources of information, indications, potential side effects, and methods of application of TCs. A comparative analysis was conducted between those with (TC users) and without (TC non-users) an experience of using TCs. Results: Among 3,000 participants, 74.4% were TC users. The mass media was the most common information source of TCs, and only one-third of the surveyed people relied on pharmacists or doctors for information. Regarding indications and application methods, incorrect answer rate was high in some items, but respondents showed adequate knowledge. However, awareness of the safety of TCs was low. Overall, the TC users showed a higher knowledge of TCs than TC non-users. Conclusions: Public knowledge of the use of TCs appears to be appropriate. However, we found potential misuse or overuse of some items and a lack of awareness of the side effects concerning TCs. Thus, healthcare professionals' significant role is required.

키워드

과제정보

This research was supported by a grant (14172MFDS159) from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

참고문헌

  1. Mehta AB, Nadkarni NJ, Patil SP, Godse KV, Gautam M, Agarwal S. Topical corticosteroids in dermatology. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2016;82(4):371-8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.178903
  2. Dhar S, Seth J, Parikh D. Systemic side effects of topical corticosteroids. Indian J Dermatol 2014;59:460-4. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.139874
  3. Ference JD, Last AR. Choosing topical corticosteroids. Am Fam Physician. 2009 Jan 15;79(2):135-40.
  4. Nagesh TS, Akhilesh A. Topical steroid awareness and abuse: a prospective study among dermatology outpatients. Indian J Dermatol 2016;61(6):618-21. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.193666
  5. Sinha A, Kar S, Yadav N, Madke B. Prevalence of topical steroid misuse among rural masses. Indian J Dermatol 2016;61(1):119.
  6. Ramana Reddy AM, Prashanth LK, Sharat Kumar GG, Chandana G, Jadav R. Over-the-counter self-medication leading to intracranial hypertension in a young lady. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2014;5(4):384-6. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-3147.139991
  7. Saraswat A, Lahiri K, Chatterjee M, et al. Topical corticosteroid abuse on the face: a prospective, multicenter study of dermatology outpatients. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2011;77(2):160-6. https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.77455
  8. Nnoruka E, Okoye O. Topical steroid abuse: its use as a depigmenting agent. J Natl Med Assoc 2006;98(6):934-9.
  9. Blenkinsopp A, Bradley C. Patients, society, and the increase in self-medication. BMJ 1996;312(7031):629-32. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.312.7031.629
  10. Correa-Fissmer M, Mendonca MG, Martins AH, Galato D. Prevalence of self-medication for skin diseases: a systematic review. An Bras Dermatol 2014;89(4):625-30. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142872
  11. Callen J, Chamlin S, Eichenfield LF, et al. A systematic review of the safety of topical therapies for atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 2007;156(2):203-21. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07538.x
  12. Shin HY. How TV programs with health information can be improved. J Korean Med Assoc 2016;59(3):771-4. https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2016.59.10.771
  13. RyuS, Song T, Ha Y, Lee K. Development of gateway system for internet health information [Internet]. Seoul: Korea Institute for Health Social Affairs; 2003 December. Report No.: 2003-19. Available from https://www.kihasa.re.kr/en/publish/paper/research/view?searchText=Development%20of%20gateway%20system%20for%20internet%20&page=1&seq=29896. Accessed June 17, 2022
  14. Kwon HJ, Kim YJ, Park SB, Yu DS, Kim JW. Study of atopic dermatitis information on the internet in Korea. Korean J Dermatol 2006;44(2):137-40.
  15. Harris Interactive. Attitudes and beliefs about the use of over-the-counter medicines: a dose of reality [Internet]. Rockville, MD: National Council on Patient Information and Education; 2002 January. Available from https://www.bemedwise.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/final_survey.pdf. Accessed June 17, 2022
  16. Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association (ed). 30 years of drug advertising review, its meaning and the way to go [Internet]. Seoul: Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association; 2020. Available from https://www.kpbma.or.kr/attach/KPBMA_Brief_20.pdf. Accessed June 17, 2022
  17. Charman CR, Morris AD, Williams HC. Topical corticosteroid phobia in patients with atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol 2000;142(5):931-6. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2000.03473.x
  18. Gray NJ, Boardman HF, Symonds BS. Information sources used by parents buying non-prescription medicines in pharmacies for preschool children. Int J Clin Pharm 2011;33(5):842-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-011-9547-5
  19. Khalifeh M, Moore N, Salameh P. Social Knowledge and Attitude toward Over-the-Counter Drug Use. American Journal of Clinical Medicine Research 2018;6(2):35-40. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajcmr-6-2-3
  20. Lee YJ, Kim HJ, Yu DS, Lee YB, Hahn HJ, Kim JW. Current Status of Atopic Dermatitis-Related Information Available on the Internet in South Korea. Ann Dermatol. 2016;28(1):1-5. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2016.28.1.1
  21. Sheth NK, Nair PA. Topical steroids: Awareness and misuse among patients, pharmacists and general medical practitioner. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2021;87(1):54-9. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_84_18
  22. Bisell P, Ward P, Noyce P. Mapping the contours of risk: consumer perceptions of non-prescription medicines. J Soc Adm Pharm 2000;17(3):136-42.
  23. Major C, Vincze Z. Consumer habits and interests regarding nonprescription medications in Hungary. Fam Pract 2010;27(3):333-8. https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cmp105
  24. Rogers PJ, Wood SM, Garrett EL, et al. Use of non-prescription topical steroids: patients' experiences. Br J Dermatol 2005;152(6):1193-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.06513.x
  25. Kim SY, Lee SD, Kim HO, Park YM. A survey of the awareness, knowledge, and behavior of topical steroid use in dermatologic outpatients of the university hospital. Korean J Dermatol 2008;46(4):473-9.
  26. Kang MJ, Park JH, Park S, et al. Community pharmacists' knowledge, perceptions, and practices about topical corticosteroid counseling: A real-world cross-sectional survey and focus group discussions in Korea. PLoS One 2020;15(7):e0236797. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236797