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Category: Volume 06 Issue 08 August 2018
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Title: A study of knowledge, attitude and practice of corticosteroid use among prescribers in a tertiary care centre in Maharashtra

Authors: Rupali B Jadhav, Shagupta A Naikwadi

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i8.55

Abstract

Introduction: Corticosteroids therapy is always associated with multiple drug interactions, adverse effects and super infections. Over the years, corticosteroids are apparently being abused by doctors and patients alike. With the increasing number of corticosteroids available for clinicians, there is need to understand the physician’s knowledge, attitude, and practice of corticosteroid use.

Aim and Objectives: To study knowledge, attitude and practice among the practitioners towards the corticosteroid use.

Methods: This prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of three months among the resident doctors at a tertiary care hospital. Resident doctors from the clinical departments who commonly prescribe corticosteroids in the hospital were included in the study.

Results: Total 70 residents completed the questionnaire. While prescribing the corticosteroids, 88.57% resident doctors gave instruction to their patients to avoid possible adverse effects and drug interactions. Though 94.28% doctors were aware about the different potencies of corticosteroids, only 34.28% were able to arrange them in descending order of their potency. 52.85% doctors were practicing alternate day therapy but only 38.57% were able to justify the alternate day therapy. 31.42% doctors use internet as a source of information while 37.14% refer books while 20% consult senior professional.

Discussion and Conclusion: Corticosteroid is a double- edged weapon. While getting maximum benefits and minimum adverse effects, doctors should be aware of their adverse effects, precautions, duration of treatment. Resident doctors are the first contact physician. Very few resident doctors have detail knowledge about the different potencies, adverse effects, measures to avoid these adverse effects. And there is a need to educate doctors about rational prescribing of corticosteroids.

Keywords: Drug interactions, adverse effects, potency, rational prescribing, corticosteroids.

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Corresponding Author

Shagupta A Naikwadi

Address- Dept. of Pharmacology, Govt. medical college Miraj, Maharashtra. India 416410

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