Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice in relation to use of isotretinoin among Al-Madinah population, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Oral isotretinoin (roaccutane) is used as a treatment for severe cases of nodular acne, severe non-nodular inflammatory acne, and for the patients with moderate acne that is unresponsive to conventional therapy. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice in relation to use of isotretinoin among Al-Madina population, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 1,676 participants of Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia, through a self-administered questionnaire in 2019. The questionnaire constituted of information regarding prescription, the dose of the drug and duration, side effects, and awareness about roaccutane. Results: There were 70% of the participants who had heard about isotretinoin, while 27.2% had previous history of roaccutane intake. More than 60% of them knew about its side effect and 54.4% had been notified about them. The most common source of information was friends (45.2%), while the most common side effect was dryness of the face and lips, whereas the most common source of information about roaccutane side effect was the doctor. Knowledge about roaccutane (p = 0.029), previous intake of roaccutane (p = 0.049), future plan to take roaccutane (p < 0.001), and having acne (p < 0.001) were all significantly associated with the age group. Conclusion: The awareness was generally good and knowledge about its adverse effects was adequate as well. Dryness of the face and lips were the most common side effect, while friends, doctor, internet, and social media were the most common source of isotretinoin information.