A Study Analyzing the Results of Online Questionnaires Regarding Perceptions and Behavior Regarding Dermatological Drugs

Abstract

Background: Rapid social media development has led to excessive medical misinfonnation. In this regard, the field of dennatology is no exception. There is persistent prejudice against dennatological drugs, and many patients hesitate to take them. Objective: We aimed to resolve the misconception that dennatological drugs are harmful, by analyzing the results of online surveys regarding the public behavior and perception of dennatological drugs. Methods: We analyzed the results of an online survey conducted by a research institution. The survey, which had been conducted between September 2020 and October 2020, included 900 online participants aged 10 to 69 years who had taken dermatological drugs. The online questionnaire consisted of items regarding patients' behavior in relation to skin diseases and taking dennatological drugs, and their perception of dennatological drugs. Results: The main reasons for withdrawal of dennatological drugs were concerns regarding the burden of long-tenn use and side effects. Except for that provided by physicians, most information regarding dennatological drugs was obtained online. The most commonly reported adverse reaction was heartburn, followed by dryness, and thirst. The proportion of responders who considered dennatological drugs to be harmful was 56. l % . To address this misconception, most respondents suggested that detailed explanations of the prescribed drugs should be provided by a dennatologist, as well as vigorous communication via online media, medical papers, and educational campaigns. Conclusion: Addressing misconceptions through detailed explanations and active communication can improve patient compliance, and ultimately, the general public's skin health. © 2022 Korean Dermatological Association. All rights reserved.