DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2025.v13i12.005

Pages: 1986-1991

Background: Long-term glucocorticoid abuse is widespread and a substantial public health issue in Third-World countries such as Bangladesh. Unfortunately, there are no substantial research in this field in Bangladesh. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of long-term glucocorticosteroid misuse. Methods: From 1st April 2010 to 30th September 2011, this descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Medicine, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, Bogura, Bangladesh. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 instances of long-term glucocorticoid users admitted to the department of medicine at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogra were included. After obtaining informed written consent, data was obtained using a questionnaire, and relevant investigations were conducted. Following that, the acquired data was examined. Results: Patients with respiratory diseases and arthropathies were the most frequently indication for long-term corticosteroid therapy. Of 50 patients, 12 (24%) were Bronchial asthma, 8 (16%) were Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis was in 6 (12%). Additionally, 92% (46/50) of patients did not get counseling regarding possible steroid adverse effects. The fact that 34.78% (16/46) of the service providers were qualified is concerning. Almost every patient experienced one or more of the treatment's negative effects. These included osteoporosis (52%), abnormal blood glucose levels (60%), thin skin (96%), weight increase (86%), moon face (92%), and iatrogenic Cushing's disorders (64%). These comprised 20/20 of the group receiving continuous medication (10–20 mg), 25/27 of those receiving intermittent therapy, and 2/3 of those for whom we were unable to determine the dosage and pattern. Conclusion: The condition of chronic corticosteroid therapy in our country is not adequately represented by the data presented in this study. Therefore, more thorough study is needed to