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Barakat M, Thiab S, Farha RA, Alshweiki AO, Thaher R, Alsughaier A, Malaeb D. An evaluation of pharmacists' general attitudes, knowledge, and phobias regarding medications that include corticosteroids: a cross-sectional study. J Pharm Health Care Sci 2024; 10:8. [PMID: 38303076 PMCID: PMC10832149 DOI: 10.1186/s40780-024-00329-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Samar Thiab
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11931, Jordan
| | - Rana Abu Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Anas O Alshweiki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Roa'a Thaher
- Medical Intern, Hamad Medical Corporation, Hamad, Qatar
| | | | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, P.O. Box 4184, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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Duvnjak JP, Ursic A, Matana A, Mikic IM. Parents' Beliefs about Medicines and Their Influence on Inhaled Corticosteroid Adherence in Children with Asthma. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:167. [PMID: 38397279 PMCID: PMC10887537 DOI: 10.3390/children11020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The most widespread chronic condition observed amid children globally is asthma. Only half of children with asthma adhere to their prescribed inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) therapy. Parents' emotions and perspectives regarding asthma have an impact on inhalation corticosteroid adherence. The participants in this study were 148 parents of children with asthma, with the aim to redintegrate their beliefs about medicines in general and specifically of ICS and the impact on ICS adherence in children with asthma. Children were mostly male (66.9%), older than five years (58.8%), parents were female, mean age 38, employed, and with a history of consumption of some form of corticosteroids. Parents' answers show that 50% of them disagreed with the statement that medicines are addictive, and 90% agree that medicine helps many to live better. A percentage of 77.7% of parents acknowledge that their child's health relies on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), and 86.5% of parents agree that these medications safeguard their child from worsening health. Most of the parents (93.2%) adhere to the guidelines and instructions of the doctor. In summary, parents who hold the belief that medicines are neither overused nor harmful tend to exhibit a higher adherence. Furthermore, those with elevated adherence levels express lower levels of concern regarding the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in their children's asthma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasna Petrić Duvnjak
- Pediatric Clinic "Pediatri", 21000 Split, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Anita Ursic
- Pediatric Clinic "Pediatri", 21000 Split, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Antonela Matana
- Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ivana Medvedec Mikic
- School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Thiab S, Barakat M, Nassar RI, Abutaima R, Alsughaier A, Thaher R, Odeh F, Dayyih WA. Knowledge, attitude, and perception of energy drinks consumption among university students in Jordan. J Nutr Sci 2023; 12:e109. [PMID: 37964975 PMCID: PMC10641699 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2023.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy drinks gained popularity after the launch of Red Bull in 1997. Different brands are now available and young adults mainly consume these drinks. This study assesses the knowledge, attitude, and perception of energy drink consumption among university students in Jordan. A validated online survey was used to collect the required data, extracted from Google Forms into an Excel spreadsheet and statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.0. A nationally representative sample of university students with a mean age of 22⋅2 ± 3⋅9 years (n 749) was obtained. The participating students demonstrated a neutral level of knowledge about energy drinks, as the mean score of knowledge = 7⋅1 ± 2⋅2 (out of 12), with 66 % (n 498) of them having consumed energy drinks and experienced their effects. Generally, the study's participants demonstrated a neutral attitude towards energy drinks and 70⋅5 % (n 528) acknowledged that energy drinks increase activity, but more than 70 % of them believed that energy drinks have harmful side effects. It was found that there is a significant (P-value <0⋅5) positive correlation between knowledge score and female gender, studying a medical major, and monthly income. The main reasons for consuming energy drinks were reported to be: to stay awake for longer, help study, and become more energetic. There is a need for more structured awareness campaigns to warn students about the possible side effects of these products in order to reduce the consumption and popularity of these drinks among students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Thiab
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Muna Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Razan I. Nassar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rana Abutaima
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa Private University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | | | | | - Faten Odeh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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Qutob RA, Alhusaini BA, Aljarba NK, Alzaid ON, Aljahili NA, Alzahrani KS, Sharaf MM, Alghamdi AH, Alaryni AA, Alammari YM, Alanazi AM, Faqihi FA, Al Harbi KM, Alsolamy EN, Hakami OA. Public Awareness Regarding Corticosteroid Use and Side Effects: A Cross-Sectional Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2747. [PMID: 37893821 PMCID: PMC10606483 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The administration of corticosteroids may have possible hazards, ranging from minor adverse medication reactions to more serious considerations. We aimed to assess levels of public awareness concerning corticosteroid use, side effects, and predictors of its use. A cross-sectional study was conducted online throughout the period of May to July 2023. The present investigation utilized a previously developed questionnaire tool. The study encompassed a cohort of 732 individuals. Upon inquiry regarding the adverse effects of corticosteroid treatment, the participants predominantly reported weight gain, skin alterations, and fluid retention leading to breathing difficulties, constituting 44.4%, 30.3%, and 27.7% of the responses, respectively. The prevailing adverse effects observed in individuals using corticosteroids were weight gain, alterations in mood, and changes in skin characteristics, which accounted for 38.1%, 25.7%, and 21.8% of reported cases, respectively. Individuals within the age range of 41-50 years and those who are currently not working show a higher propensity for utilizing corticosteroids in comparison to other demographic groups (p < 0.05). The level of general public knowledge about corticosteroids and the side effects connected with them in Saudi Arabia was adequate. Demographic factors, such as age, gender, and education, have an impact on the use of corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayan Abubakker Qutob
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.Q.); (A.H.A.); (A.A.A.); (Y.M.A.); (A.M.A.); (K.M.A.H.); (E.N.A.);
| | - Bassam Abdulaziz Alhusaini
- Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (N.K.A.); (O.N.A.); (N.A.A.); (K.S.A.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Najd Khalid Aljarba
- Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (N.K.A.); (O.N.A.); (N.A.A.); (K.S.A.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Omar Nasser Alzaid
- Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (N.K.A.); (O.N.A.); (N.A.A.); (K.S.A.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Nawaf Abdulaziz Aljahili
- Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (N.K.A.); (O.N.A.); (N.A.A.); (K.S.A.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Khalid Saad Alzahrani
- Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (N.K.A.); (O.N.A.); (N.A.A.); (K.S.A.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Mohammed Mahmoud Sharaf
- Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (N.K.A.); (O.N.A.); (N.A.A.); (K.S.A.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Abdullah Hussien Alghamdi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.Q.); (A.H.A.); (A.A.A.); (Y.M.A.); (A.M.A.); (K.M.A.H.); (E.N.A.);
| | - Abdullah Abdulaziz Alaryni
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.Q.); (A.H.A.); (A.A.A.); (Y.M.A.); (A.M.A.); (K.M.A.H.); (E.N.A.);
| | - Yousef Mohammed Alammari
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.Q.); (A.H.A.); (A.A.A.); (Y.M.A.); (A.M.A.); (K.M.A.H.); (E.N.A.);
| | - Abdulrahman Mohammed Alanazi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.Q.); (A.H.A.); (A.A.A.); (Y.M.A.); (A.M.A.); (K.M.A.H.); (E.N.A.);
| | - Fahad Ali Faqihi
- Department of Adult Critical Care, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Riyadh 12231, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Khalid Mohammed Al Harbi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.Q.); (A.H.A.); (A.A.A.); (Y.M.A.); (A.M.A.); (K.M.A.H.); (E.N.A.);
| | - Eysa Nahar Alsolamy
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.Q.); (A.H.A.); (A.A.A.); (Y.M.A.); (A.M.A.); (K.M.A.H.); (E.N.A.);
| | - Osamah Ahmad Hakami
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.Q.); (A.H.A.); (A.A.A.); (Y.M.A.); (A.M.A.); (K.M.A.H.); (E.N.A.);
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Barakat M, Mansour NO, Hassan Elnaem M, Thiab S, Abu Farha R, Sallam M, Said Ali A, Abdelaziz DH. Evaluation of knowledge, experiences, and fear toward prescribing and dispensing corticosteroids among Egyptian healthcare professionals: A cross-sectional study. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:101777. [PMID: 37771957 PMCID: PMC10523270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Corticosteroids (CS) are essential drugs in the treatment of several medical conditions. Assuming different roles, physicians and pharmacists play a primary role in prescribing and dispensing these medications to optimize patients' clinical management. The data on assessing knowledge and experience of healthcare professionals toward CS is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and compare knowledge, experience, and fears towards CS among Egyptian physicians and pharmacists. Methods A cross-sectional, self-administrated, validated online questionnaire was used to collect the data from Egyptian healthcare professionals. The questionnaire consisted of four sections with multiple choice questions: sociodemographic (7 questions), knowledge about CS (13 questions), experience with CS prescription/dispensing (5 questions), and fears and preferences toward CS prescription/dispensing (13 questions). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results A total of 600 responses were analyzed in this study. The study sample was almost two-half of healthcare providers: 303 (50.5%) pharmacists and 297 (49.5%) physicians. Pharmacists had marginally higher knowledge scores as compared to those recorded for physicians (11.29 versus 10.16, respectively; P = 0.047). Physicians had more experience choosing corticosteroids in treatment plans based on their experience (51.8% vs 38.5%) and guideline recommendations (72.8% vs 50.9%) than pharmacists. However, pharmacists had more experience dealing with corticosteroid use based on patients' preferences (19.5% vs 4.9%) and showed a broader scope of experiencing side effects of corticosteroids with their patients. The two professions demonstrated high levels of fear, with pharmacists acknowledging significantly lower concerns about CS than physicians (3.72 versus 4.0, respectively; P = 0.003). Conclusion Discrepancies exist among healthcare professionals in knowledge and experience, favoring better scientific knowledge of pharmacists related to corticosteroids. Based on these findings, the interprofessional collaborative efforts would provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that maximizes the benefits of CS while minimizing their risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Noha O. Mansour
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hassan Elnaem
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 ISA, United Kingdom
| | - Samar Thiab
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Rana Abu Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Doaa H. Abdelaziz
- Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
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