Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39786565›Full record

ArticleArchives of dermatological research2025

Utilization and prescription patterns of topical steroids: a study at dessie comprehensive specialized hospital, Ethiopia.

Yohannes Mengesha, Abay Gebre, Yenesew Wudu Ejigu

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Archives of dermatological research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Yohannes MengeshaDepartment of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia. joymengesha@gmail.com.
Abay GebreDepartment of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia.
Yenesew Wudu EjiguDepartment of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundTopical steroids are widely used in dermatology for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, but misuse can cause skin thinning and systemic issues. In Ethiopia, where skin conditions are common, understanding how topical steroids are prescribed and used is essential for ensuring their safe and effective use.

objectiveThe study aimed to assess topical steroids' prescription and utilization pattern in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DCSH) from February 1 to May 30, 2024. METHODOLOGY: The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach, analyzing data from 175 patient records on prescription and utilization patterns of topical steroids at DCSH. Participants were selected using a random sampling technique. Data were categorized and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010, with findings presented through descriptive statistics, including tables and figures.

resultEczematous dermatitis (31.49%) was the most common skin disease observed, followed by dermatophytosis (12.15%). Out of 304 drugs prescribed, averaging 1.73 per prescription, clobetasol (44.4%) and betamethasone (25.0%) were the most common topical corticosteroids. These steroids were primarily prescribed for eczema, dermatitis, pigmentary disorders, psoriasis, urticaria, and lichen planus. The commonly prescribed drugs were topical steroids 108[35.53%]. Generic names were used for 54.63% of the 108 topical steroids prescribed.

conclusionThe study found that dermatitis and eczema are the most common skin conditions treated in dermatology clinics, with topical steroids being the main treatment. However, many prescriptions lacked details on the application site, treatment duration, and quantity. To improve safety and effectiveness, the study recommends community education, better dermatological services, and increased oversight in professional training.

Indexed as

Skin DiseasesAdministration, CutaneousAdministration, TopicalAdolescentAdultAgedChildChild, PreschoolCross-Sectional StudiesDrug PrescriptionsEthiopiaFemaleHospitals, SpecialHumansMaleMiddle AgedPrescription patternSkin diseasesTopical steroids

Identifiers

PMID39786565
PMCPMC11717826

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.