The social and psychological factors in topical steroid abuse patients: a prospective study among dermatology outpatients

Dr.Sanjay N. Agrawal; Dr.Ganesh R.Mundhada; Dr.Saraswatirani S. Pawar

Volume : VII, Issue : I, January - 2018

The social and psychological factors in topical steroid abuse patients: a prospective study among dermatology outpatients

Dr. Sanjay N. Agrawal, Dr. Ganesh R. Mundhada, Dr. Saraswatirani S. Pawar

Abstract :

Background: Topical corticosteroids have become the mainstay of dermatologic treatment of a wide range of inflammatory and non–infectious conditions. In India, the annual sales figure of TCs was 14 billion rupees in 2013, concerns have also been raised regarding its misuse of non–labeled indications and side effects.

Aims: The aim of the study to know the sources of information about steroid use in common public along with to assess the factors encouraging the prolong use, indication of use and to analyze the effect of side effects of steroid on a quality index of life.

Materials and methods: This is the prospective questionnaire–based study done at tertiary care hospital. A total of 500 adult patients having the history of steroid use for non–indicated cause coming to seek consultation for the same cause or relative side effects were included in study and questionnaire was given.

Statistical test: All the data was collected and entered into Microsoft excel sheet 2013 and statistical analysis was done using SPSS

Results: Out of 500 patients the quality index of life affected because of steroid abuse was mildly affected in 167(33.4%), moderately affected in 248(49.6%), and highly affected in 85(17%) patients.

Conclusion: The ubiquitous uncontrolled use of steroids are the major concern in dermatology practice as the effects are affecting social and psychological aspects of affected indusial.