Knowledge and phobias about the use of topical corticosteroids among the Saudi population: A cross-sectional study

Background: Topical corticosteroids are the first line of treatment for many dermatological disorders. Patients frequently have excessive concerns about the side effects of steroids and may even refuse to use topical steroids to treat their dermatological conditions due to their fear of steroids. This study aimed to explore knowledge and phobias regarding using topical corticosteroids among the Saudi population. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the public knowledge and their fears about using topical corticosteroids in 2022. A previously developed questionnaire was adapted and used in this study. Binary logistic regression was conducted to identify factors that affect participants’ fear of using topical corticosteroids. Results: A total of 1,889 people participated in the study. Around half of the study participants (46.2%) reported using topical corticosteroids. The vast majority (88.8%) reported that topical corticosteroids effectively managed their dermatological condition. Approximately half (47.1%) reported worrying about side effects when using topical corticosteroids. About 15.0% reported having delayed a hospital visit due to concern about prescribing topical corticosteroids. Although 16.4% of them refused to get prescribed topical corticosteroids, 17.0% have not applied corticosteroids. The study participants showed a low level of phobia about using topical corticosteroids, with a mean phobia score of 1.7 (SD: 1.6), representing 28.3% (out of the maximum phobia score). The mean phobia score showed a statistically significant difference between the participants who reported having experienced or are presently experiencing skin disease (p <0.05). Conclusion: Phobia about topical corticosteroids is a common problem that warrants further investigation. It affects patients’ compliance with corticosteroid therapy, which ultimately will result in worsening their clinical outcomes. Healthcare professionals should focus on education on topical corticosteroids and correct any misconceptions about this group of medications. Keywords: Topical corticosteroids; Fear; Phobia; Skin diseases; Saudi Arabia