Understanding Physicians' Journeys with Corticosteroids - Experiences, Knowledge, and the Shadows of Fears.

Background: Corticosteroids (CS) are essential in managing various medical conditions, yet longterm use presents significant risks. Balancing therapeutic benefits with potential hazards requires careful prescription and monitoring. This study evaluates Jordanian physicians' knowledge, experiences, and concerns regarding CS prescriptions, and identifies predictors of both knowledge and fear. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2023 using an online survey distributed via social media platforms. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were employed to assess factors influencing physicians' knowledge and fears regarding CS. Results: A total of 171 physicians participated, with a median age of 31 years (IQR=8.0). The majority (86.5%) had prescribed topical (83.1%) and injectable (81.1%) CS formulations. Physicians demonstrated high knowledge (median score: 11/11) but expressed significant concerns (median fear score: 3.5/5), particularly about osteoporosis (73.7%) and hyperglycemia (66.7%). Regression analysis revealed that specialty in rheumatology was significantly associated with higher knowledge scores (p=0.027). Conversely, higher knowledge scores were associated with lower fear scores (p=0.034), while other sociodemographic factors did not significantly impact either knowledge or fears. Conclusion: Jordanian physicians possess substantial knowledge about CS, yet significant concerns remain regarding side effects such as osteoporosis and hyperglycemia. Specialty and knowledge level are key factors influencing both knowledge and fear. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to address these concerns, improve physician confidence, and enhance patient management outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]