Abstract：
Background and Objectives: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatological disorders among adolescents and adults in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Isotretinoin is a cost-effective way of treating severe acne patients compared to other methods used for severe forms of acne management. The present study investigated the knowledge of the use of isotretinoin and its side effects among female acne patients of the reproductive age group who were on isotretinoin. This study also assessed participants\' awareness of the Saudi FDA-Pregnancy Prevention Program (SFDA-PPP). Materials and Methods: The present population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 768 participants using a standard and validated Arabic version questionnaire. We have applied logistic regression analysis to determine the predictors for awareness of SFDA-PPP. A Chi-square test was applied to identify the factors associated with knowledge related to isotretinoin. Results: Regarding the side effects of isotretinoin, participated female acne patients were most commonly aware of dry mouth and lips (84.5%), teratogenicity (68.2%), and headache (44.8%). Nearly 60% of the participants belonged to the low knowledge category. The present study participants\' knowledge was significantly associated with education status (p = 0.007), occupation (p = 0.01), and those participants who were aware of SFDA-PPP (p = 0.001). Furthermore, we explored that only 37.5% were aware of the SFDA-PPP program implemented in Saudi Arabia. The awareness of SFDA-PPP was significantly higher among those participants belonging to health sectors (Adjusted OR (95% CI) = 1.39 (1.01-1.92), p = 0.049). Conclusion: The present survey explored inadequate knowledge among reproductive age group female acne patients regarding isotretinoin uses, precautions to be followed, and side effects, especially teratogenic effects. This survey findings suggest that improving female acne patients\' knowledge of isotretinoin through health promotion activities is crucial, especially by giving them precise instructions about the teratogenic effects.
摘要：
背景与目的：寻常痤疮是沙特阿拉伯王国（KSA）青少年和成人中最常见的皮肤病之一。与用于严重形式的痤疮管理的其他方法相比，异维A酸是治疗严重痤疮患者的一种经济有效的方法。本研究调查了使用异维A酸的育龄妇女痤疮患者对异维A酸的使用及其副作用的了解。这项研究还评估了参与者对沙特FDA-怀孕预防计划（SFDA-PPP）的认识。材料和方法：本基于人群的横断面调查是使用标准和有效的阿拉伯语版本问卷对768名参与者进行的。我们应用逻辑回归分析来确定SFDA-PPP认知的预测因素。采用卡方检验来确定与异维甲酸相关知识相关的因素。结果：关于异维A酸的副作用，参与的女性痤疮患者最常见的是口干和嘴唇干(84.5%)，致畸性（68.2%），头痛(44.8%)。近60％的参与者属于低知识类别。本研究参与者的知识与教育状况显著相关(p=0.007)，职业(p=0.01)，以及了解SFDA-PPP的参与者（p=0.001）。此外，我们发现,只有37.5%的人知道SFDA-PPP计划在沙特阿拉伯实施.在属于卫生部门的参与者中，SFDA-PPP的意识明显更高（调整后OR（95％CI）=1.39（1.01-1.92），p=0.049)。结论：本调查探讨了育龄组女性痤疮患者关于异维A酸使用的知识不足，应遵循的预防措施，和副作用，尤其是致畸作用。这项调查结果表明，通过健康促进活动提高女性痤疮患者对异维甲酸的认识至关重要，特别是通过给他们关于致畸作用的精确说明。
