Qeyam Hanadi, Al-Shaimi Rola, Alfattah Noor Abed, Almomani Ensaf Y, Al-Rusan Ahmed, Muhaidat Jihan, Alshiyab Diala, Al-Qarqaz Firas, Heis Leen
Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2025 Sep 11;18:2285-2295. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S553615. eCollection 2025.
Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are widely prescribed for inflammatory skin conditions, but unsupervised use carries significant health risks. In Jordan, over-the-counter availability raises concerns about misuse. Limited research exists on population-level patterns and knowledge. This study aimed to evaluate TCS use patterns, indications, and awareness in the general population, and to identify demographic factors associated with misuse.
A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via social media platforms. The questionnaire assessed demographics, corticosteroid use patterns, application sites, prescription sources, and awareness of products and side effects. Data were analyzed using Jamovi (version 2.3.28). Descriptive statistics were generated, and chi-square tests and multiple linear regression were used to identify associations with cream recognition and adverse effect reporting.
A total of 714 respondents participated; 46.8% reported storing corticosteroid creams at home. The most common application sites were the hands (36.6%) and face (31.2%). Daily use was most frequent (53.1%). Creams were mainly obtained from pharmacists (22.8%) or informal sources (12.6%). Only 63.2% reported reading the leaflet, and 61.3% were aware of potential side effects. Hydrocortisone 1% was the most recognized cream (45.1%), while 29.5% could not identify any corticosteroid cream. The leading indications were eczema (32.6%) and itchiness (17%). Adverse effects were reported by 39.9%, most commonly redness, increased hair growth, and skin thinning. Chi-square analyses showed that adverse effect reporting was associated with longer duration and higher frequency of use (p < 0.05), while regression analysis demonstrated that cream recognition was lower among males and higher among employed or retired individuals compared with housewives (p < 0.05).
Topical corticosteroid use is widespread in Jordan, often obtained without prescription and with limited awareness of potency, indications, and risks. Targeted public education and stricter regulation of dispensing are needed to reduce misuse and ensure safer use.
外用糖皮质激素（TCS）被广泛用于治疗炎症性皮肤病，但无监督使用存在重大健康风险。在约旦，非处方可得性引发了对滥用的担忧。关于人群层面的使用模式和知识的研究有限。本研究旨在评估普通人群中TCS的使用模式、适应症和认知情况，并确定与滥用相关的人口统计学因素。
通过社交媒体平台开展横断面在线调查。问卷评估了人口统计学、皮质类固醇使用模式、应用部位、处方来源以及对产品和副作用的认知情况。使用Jamovi（版本2.3.28）分析数据。生成描述性统计数据，并使用卡方检验和多元线性回归来确定与乳膏识别和不良反应报告的关联。
共有714名受访者参与；46.8%的人报告在家中储存皮质类固醇乳膏。最常见的应用部位是手部（36.6%）和面部（31.2%）。每日使用最为频繁（53.1%）。乳膏主要从药剂师处获得（22.8%）或从非正规渠道获得（12.6%）。只有63.2%的人报告阅读了说明书，61.3%的人知晓潜在副作用。1%氢化可的松乳膏是最被认可的乳膏（45.1%），而29.5%的人无法识别任何皮质类固醇乳膏。主要适应症是湿疹（32.6%）和瘙痒（17%）。39.9%的人报告有不良反应，最常见的是发红、毛发增多和皮肤变薄。卡方分析表明，不良反应报告与使用时间延长和使用频率较高有关（p<0.05），而回归分析表明，与家庭主妇相比，男性对乳膏的识别率较低，在职或退休人员的识别率较高（p<0.05）。
外用糖皮质激素在约旦广泛使用，通常无需处方获取，且对效力、适应症和风险的认知有限。需要有针对性的公众教育和更严格的配药监管，以减少滥用并确保更安全的使用。
