PRACTICE, ATTITUDE, AND KNOWLEDGE OF PRESCRIBING GLUTATHIONE AMONG DERMATOLOGISTS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Khalid Al Hawsawi*, Khulood Fallatahs, Sara Alorfi, Maather Alhajaji,

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To assess practice, attitude, and knowledge of prescribing glutathione among dermatologists in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 9 cities of Saudi Arabia to evalute knowledge, attitude and practice of prescribing glutathione among dermatologists. The study collected data from 243 dermatologists at public and private hospitals of the studied cities. Data about dermatologists' socio-demographic characteristics and their knowledge, attitudes and practice of prescribing glutathione were collected through predesigned structured self-adminsted questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results:The study analysed data from 243 dermatologists. Their mean age was 37.2 ± 9.8 years, and 46.1% of them were male and 53.9% were female. 14.4% of dermatologists were found to practice prescription of glutathione to their patients particularly those with hyperpigmantation (63%). The level of good knowledge among the dermatologists was very low (4.1%). The level of knowledge was found to signficantly increase among senior, high educational degree dermatologists, and those working at private hospitals. Conclusion: The present study revealed that small percent of dermatologists (14.4%) prescribe glutathione for their patients. 63.6% of the dermatologists stated that there is no strong evidences supporting the usefulness of glutathione. This might be the reason behind not prescribing glutathione for their patients. The level of good knowledge among the dermatologists was very low (4.1%). Dissemination of this study findings is as important as for the dermatologists all over the Kingdom to know their current background about glutathione. Random controled trials regarding the use of glutathions for dermatological indications are crucial.

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