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Published:
Mar 31, 2025Keywords:
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Main Article Content
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 non-
Saudi 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.
