AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE TOWARD USE AND SIDE EFFECTS OF STEROIDS: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

The term steroid means molecule having varying physiological properties. Initially steroids were isolated from adrenal gland and were thought to use in Addison disease. Now due to its potent anti-inflammatory and immune modulating properties steroids are used in many clinical problems. Testosterone exerts its effect on both reproductive and non-reproductive tissues. It is mostly used to increase muscle strength, increase muscle mass, decreased recovery time and promote healing. People may experience some side effects like euphoria, aggressive behavior and diminished fatigue during steroid use. Steroids can cause addiction and misuse of steroid is common in whole world. Steroids have serious adverse effects. This study aims to assess the awareness among health professionals towards the use and side effects of steroids and their attitude towards them. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February, 2018 in hospitals of Bahawalpur Pakistan (Victoria hospital Bahawalpur and civil hospital Bahawalpur) using structured questionnaire. Data were collected from 375 healthcare professionals from these two hospitals. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied by using SPSS version 20. About 206 respondents (54.9%) were female and 169(45.1%) were male. Majority of respondents were doctors (55.7%), some were pharmacist (28.3%), 12.3% nurses and 3.7% were herbal and homeopathic doctors. About 98.9% respondents respond that they knew about the use of steroids. 80% professionals said that chronic steroid use increased the risk of infection. 72.2% respondents said that topical corticosteroids are used for atopic dermatitis in children. 71.4% respondents said that AAS can cause long term depression. Most of the respondents said that steroids can be prescribed to cancer patient and also used in asthma. Majority of respondents 89.3% said that steroid have immunosuppressive action. 68.4% professionals said that overdose of steroid may cause psychosis. 28% disagree that steroids are used as a 1st choice in asthma treatment. About 30.5% respondents disagree about steroid use are safe for children. Most of the health professionals have awareness about the use and side effects of steroid and shows positive attitude towards the steroid use. Regardless of awareness, steroids are most commonly prescribed to patients.