Barakat Muna, Thiab Samar, Farha Rana Abu, Alshweiki Anas O, Thaher Roa'a, Alsughaier Asem, Malaeb Diana
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11931, Jordan.
J Pharm Health Care Sci. 2024 Feb 1;10(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s40780-024-00329-x.
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.
Conducted through a self-administered online questionnaire.
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.
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.
含皮质类固醇的药物有多种剂型，包括外用、注射和吸入制剂，广泛可得。由于安全性尚不明确，包括药剂师在内的医疗保健提供者在配发这些药物时往往心存顾虑。这项横断面研究评估了约旦药剂师对含皮质类固醇药物的知识、态度和恐惧程度。
通过自行填写的在线问卷进行。
研究表明，皮肤病和呼吸系统疾病是开具含皮质类固醇药物的主要适应症。药剂师的患者中报告最多的副作用包括食欲增加、糖尿病和皮肤变薄。药剂师总体表现出可接受的知识水平，中位数得分为11.0分中的9.0分（四分位间距 = 3.0）。超过三分之二的药剂师（69.9%）获得高分（布鲁姆临界点≥8.8）。然而，只有55.7%的人知道皮质类固醇可能会引起情绪变化。较高的恐惧得分，尤其是关于血压升高和骨质疏松风险的恐惧得分，表明药剂师在配发皮质类固醇时有所保留。有趣的是，农村地区的药剂师知识得分较低，而在社区药房以外工作的药剂师与城市地区和社区药房的同行相比，恐惧得分较低。
尽管知识水平总体良好，但该研究强调约旦药剂师在配发皮质类固醇方面存在较高的恐惧得分，特别是由于担心血压升高和骨质疏松风险。这表明可能需要有针对性的教育干预和支持系统，以增强药剂师的信心，优化皮质类固醇的使用，同时将相关风险降至最低。
