ABSTRACT
Background: Corticosteroids have been used since the 50s and it represent the most important and frequently used class of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs for the treatment of several diseases such as numerous neoplastic, asthma, allergy, rheumatoid arthritis, and dermatological disorders. This study aims to determine the public awareness of side effects of systemic steroids in Asir region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional web-based study was used. An online questionnaire was developed by the study researchers based on the literature review and consultations of the field experts. The questionnaire included the following components: Participants demographic data, medical history, and steroids use. Also, it covered participants awareness regarding systemic steroids and side effects. Results: A total of 439 participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire. Ages ranged from 18 to 65 years with mean age of 26.1 ± 13.9 years old, of those, 227 (51.7%) respondents were males. Around 346 (78.8%) had poor overall awareness level while only 93 (21.2%) had good awareness regarding systematic steroids. The study also showed that awareness was significantly higher among young aged participants in the health care field and among those who previously used steroids. Two hundred and eighty two (64.2%) of the respondents reported previous use of steroids. Conclusion: In conclusion, the current study showed that nearly one out of each five people know about systemic steroids and related side effects which is below the satisfactory level. Higher awareness was observed with regards drug associated side effects and long-term use consequences.
ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus [DM] is the most prevalent disease that affects modern human life in Saudi Arabia. People with DM must have a comprehensive understanding of the nature, risk factors, complications, and treatment methods to mitigate complications. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess diabetic patient awareness of complications and their effect on treatment compliance in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting available diabetic patients in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia. Patients aged 18 years or more living in the Asir region with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were included. Data were collected from eligible patients using a pre-structured electronic questionnaire. The tool covered the following data: patients' sociodemographic data, patients' diabetes duration, patients' compliance with medical care and treatment, patients' awareness regarding diabetes-related complications, and patients' experienced complications. The questionnaire was uploaded online using social media platforms by researchers. Results: A total of 466 diabetic patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire. Patients' age ranged from 18 to more than 50 years old, with a mean age of 38.9 ± 12.6 years old, Of the 279 patients, 59.9% were males. 143 [30.7%] patients reported measuring HbA1c every three months. 363 [77.9%] reported having a blood glucose meter at home, but only 205 [44%] reported having a good concern to measure their blood sugar and 211 [45.3%] had good diabetic control, while 124 [26.6%] reported excellent control. Of those, 218 [46.8%] patients had good awareness levels regarding diabetes-related complications, while 248 [53.2%] had poor awareness levels. Conclusions: Our study showed that diabetic patients living in Asir region had an average awareness level regarding diabetes-related complications, especially newly diagnosed, young people. Interestingly, diabetic patients showed good-to-excellent adherence to medical care and medications.
