Awareness of Adverse Effects of Corticosteroids among Dental Undergraduates: A Survey

Objective The objective of this study was to assess and evaluate the knowledge on adverse effects of corticosteroids among dental undergraduates. Methods and materials A pretested questionnaire containing 17 questions were used to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on awareness of adverse effects of corticosteroids was administered to 120 dental undergraduates studying in a private hospital between the age group of 17-25 years after explaining about the study. The questions were carefully studied and the corresponding answers were marked and was tabulated. ResultIt was found that 95 % of the students knew about corticosteroids.60 % of the students were sure about the adverse effects of corticosteroids and about 10 % of them were unsure and 30 % of them didnt know about the adverse effects.75-80 % of the students were aware of the different types like inhalational and oral corticosteroids and their advantages and disadvantages.65 % of the students were aware that corticosteroids has to be gradually stopped after chronic use. Conclusion Our study shows that majority of the students were aware of what corticosteroids are and their adverse effects and can use this knowledge in their future practices. Corticosteroids being one of the most commonly prescribed anti inflammatory, anti allergic and immune suppressant drug is used for a variety of health conditions. Where all possible it is given as inhalation but mostly it is given through oral route. Thus the prescriber must be aware of the adverse effects so that unnecessary complications can be prevented.