Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice in relation to use of isotretinoin among Jazan general population, Saudi Arabia

Background: Oral Roaccutane (isotretinoin) is a vitamin A derivative marketed as an oral treatment for resistant severe acne. It is widely considered to be the most successful treatment option for such situations. Objectives: The present study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice in relation to the use of isotretinoin and its association with sociodemographic variables among the Jazan population, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2022. Data were collected using an Arabic electronic questionnaire via (Google forms). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 23. Results: A total of 390 participants were enrolled in the current study. Among them 58.5% of the participants were males, and 41.5% were females, 66.2% were within the age range of 18-24 years. The majority of participants (77.7%) were single. Most of the participants (72.6%) were found to be at the university education level. The "city" was the place of residence for about 52.8% of the participants. The "village" was the residence of 44.9% of the participants. Regarding occupation; 75.4% were students. Most (63.1%) of the participants did not know about the dosage of isotretinoin. The most important concerns about isotretinoin use were side effects, as stated by 48.5% of the participants. Out of a total score of 9, the average knowledge score about side effects was 2.1 ± 2.2. The most reported side effects of isotretinoin were dryness of skin and lips. A statistically significant association was found between gender and knowledge about isotretinoin side effects, with females tending to have higher knowledge scores than males. A significant association was found between educational level and knowledge about side effects of isotretinoin, with university-level participants getting higher knowledge scores more frequently. Conclusion: The knowledge and awareness level was generally below average, and knowledge about its adverse effects was below average. Dryness of the skin and lips were the most common side effect. Friends or relatives, doctors, the Internet, and social media were the most reported source of isotretinoin information. This study shows that participants are not satisfactorily aware of the proper use, side effects, and risks of using isotretinoin.