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Introduction Isotretinoin is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs among dermatologists because it's used in the treatment of Acne vulgaris. Despite having an adequate safety profile, isotretinoin-related adverse events are common, with ocular manifestations being one of them. Although being generally mild, ophthalmologic manifestations associated with isotretinoin may cause significant ocular morbidity. Objectives The objective is to evaluate the awareness of the ocular side effects of isotretinoin treatment in patients with acne and to understand the treating physicians' practice of prescribing isotretinoin from the patient's point of view. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a Saudi Arabian population from June to September 2021. We used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data on drug dose, treatment duration, ocular adverse effects, patients' awareness, and patients' perception of treating physicians' practice. Results Of 1,157 responders, 452 (39.1%) consisted of participants who met the inclusion criteria, therefore they were enrolled in the study. Out of our responders, 308 (68.1%) were women. Approximately, 91.6% of participants had a dermatologist's prescription for isotretinoin. Eye dryness was the most commonly reported ocular adverse effect (83.4%). Blepharitis and conjunctivitis were the most commonly diagnosed complications after starting isotretinoin (5.4% for each). Approximately, 71.2% participants were not advised to see an ophthalmologist for ophthalmological screening. Physicians asked only 78 (17.3%) respondents about a recent refractive surgery before starting isotretinoin or if they intended to undergo a refractive surgery in the next six months. Approximately, 57.5% participants were unaware of possible contact lens intolerance. Lubricant eye drops were prescribed to 305 (67.5%) respondents during isotretinoin treatment. Approximately, 36.7% participants were advised to consult their treating physicians if they had any serious ocular signs or symptoms. Approximately, 67.9% participants reported their awareness of the ocular side effects of isotretinoin therapy. However, 236 (52.2%) participants responded that they were not provided with sufficient information on the ocular side effects of isotretinoin therapy.
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Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a coronavirus subtype called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is crucial to control the spread of coronavirus by understanding the disease and practicing the measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease. COVID-19 infection may exacerbate the MS disease and its relapses. Therefore, MS patients are more susceptible to infection because of their immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory medications. Objective We aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of patients with MS in Saudi Arabia regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Method A quantitative observational cross-sectional study was conducted. MS patients in Saudi Arabia were included in the study population. Data were collected via an online self-reported questionnaire from 214 participants from November 2020 to June 2021. Results A total of 214 MS patients participated in this study. The gender distribution showed that the male participants represented 38.3% (n = 82), while female participants accounted for 61.7% (n = 132). Most MS patients understood the COVID-19 preventive measures. The mean knowledge score was 15.7 (SD = 2.34, range: 1-20), showing an appropriate level of knowledge. While the mean behaviors score was 6.1 (SD = 1.2, range: 2-9), showing good behaviors. The mean score for attitude was 5.4 (SD = 1.77, range: 1-8), showing optimistic attitudes. However, a closer analysis of the participants' answers showed that 74.3% of the patients agreed that the treatment plan should be discussed with their doctors during the pandemic. In addition, almost half of the participants (49.1%) agreed that being an MS patient means they are at higher risk of getting infected by the virus. Data also showed that 17% of patients continued to attend social events involving many people. Also, 28.0% of the patients reported being in crowded places. Conclusion MS patients' risk of COVID-19 might be linked to their knowledge, attitude, and behaviors. Our results suggest that although MS patients have a high knowledge and good attitude and behaviors, it is still essential to have health education programs among MS patients to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MS patients' care. Knowledge, attitude, and behaviors toward the COVID-19 pandemic can highlight the importance of education programs and translate the findings into action to minimize the disease risk.
