Prevalence of self-prescribed Vitamin A analogs and awareness of related adverse effects

Abstract

Background: Topical Vitamin A analogs (Retinoids) are approved treatments for acne vulgaris impacting the quality of life. Self-prescription of retinoids is often encountered by dermatologists, and it is driven by factors such as mild symptoms and cost-saving. This study aims to assess the prevalence of self-prescription of Vitamin-A analogs and awareness of their adverse effects among the general population. Methods: An online questionnaire was formulated by the research team through an extensive literature review and was validated by three experts in dermatology. It was distributed and collected from the five regions in Saudi Arabia. Results: The present study included 2150 participants, primarily female (76.3%), aged 18-24 (50.6%), and over 60% holding bachelor's degrees. Social media (29.5%) and physicians (26.2%) were common sources of information about Vitamin A analogs for acne treatment. Nearly half had been diagnosed with acne, and 42.5% were aware of adverse effects, with dryness being the most reported (59.7%). Acretin (28.1%) was the most used medication. Awareness of avoiding Vitamin A analogs during pregnancy was 47.0%. Sociodemographic factors such as age, region, and acne history were significantly associated with the awareness regarding Vitamin A use during pregnancy. Conclusion: The present study revealed a substantial prevalence of self-prescribed Vitamin A analogs for acne, particularly among young, educated individuals. The high awareness of potential adverse effects underscores the need for improved education. Sociodemographic associations highlight the importance of targeted interventions in promoting safe practices.