Knowledge of pharmacists in Saudi Arabia on the use of topical corticosteroids in atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate pharmacists’ knowledge and sources of information, as well as identify future interventions concerning the use  of topical corticosteroids for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving a survey of pharmacists practicing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from March 2022  to July 2022 using a self-structured questionnaire. Categorical responses were presented in frequency and percentages. Measurement  data were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), and differences were compared using Pearson chi-square. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 288 pharmacists participated in the survey; out of these, 79 % of pharmacists provided incorrect answers, believing  that topical corticosteroids (TCS) are used to cure eczema/dermatitis. Mean score of overall knowledge was 10.13 (2.9) while 54.9 %  showed poor knowledge of TCS, and 45.1 % had adequate knowledge. Furthermore, pharmacists who were nonSaudi indigenes, senior  pharmacists and those having master's degrees had significantly higher knowledge scores than others.Conclusion: Knowledge of TCS for treating atopic dermatitis among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia is poor. There is a significant association  of knowledge with being a non-Saudi indigene, pharmacist’s rank, qualification, area of practice, and additional training.  Promoting continuous education and implementing formal undergraduate training programs would address this knowledge gap and  ultimately improve pharmacists' understanding of topical corticosteroid use in atopic dermatitis.