A BSTRACT Background: Corticosteroids are widely used for inflammatory conditions, yet misuse and limited public awareness can cause preventable harm. In Hail, Saudi Arabia, community knowledge appears limited, warranting targeted assessment. Objective: To assess knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and use patterns of topical corticosteroids (TCSs) among adults in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey (October 2024–March 2025) among adults aged ≥18 years. Of 535 respondents, 419 (78.0%) reported prior TCS use and were included in behavioral analyses, while 116 (21.0%) were non-users. Descriptive statistics summarized patterns, and bivariate analyses examined associations between awareness and behaviors. Results: Prescription use was more common than self-medication (58.9% vs 41.1%), and most users applied corticosteroids once daily (60.6%). Mometasone was the most frequently reported agent (33.9%), although 36.8% could not name the product; acne, melasma, and tinea were common indications. Awareness was moderate: 62.8% recognized potency categories, and 55.4% were aware of adverse effects. Overall, 45.0% reported ≥1 adverse effect, most often mood changes, pruritus, increased thirst/urination, or skin thinning. Most had discontinued at least once (79.5%); tapering was more frequent than abrupt cessation (58.9% vs 41.1%), and relapse occurred in 23.7%, often within a week. Awareness aligned with safer practice: aware users were more likely to have a prescription (65.0% vs 48.7%) and to recognize adverse effects (73.8% vs 24.4%); prescribed users also tapered more often than they stopped abruptly (67.6% vs 43.9%). Conclusion: TCS use is prevalent in Hail and is accompanied by self-medication and important knowledge deficits. Strengthening pharmacist counseling, improving labeling, regulating access to higher-potency agents, and implementing community education initiatives may enhance safety and reduce avoidable adverse outcomes.
Aljaloud et al. (2026) studied this question.