Considerable variation among Iranian dermatologists in the knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of biologic agents to manage psoriasis,

Abstract

Background: Many international guidelines have been introduced with the aim of helping clinicians by providing evidence-based advice for the prescription of biologic therapies in psoriasis. Because no local or regional guideline is available, the treatment of psoriasis with biologics is mainly based on clinical experiences regarding the international guideline among Iranian dermatologists. Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitudes among Iranian specialists regarding the use of biologic agents to manage psoriasis. Methods: Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire specifically designed for this study based on a review of the literature. The designed Google form consisted of 53 multiple choice questions divided into five sections. Results: A total of 111 dermatologists agreed to participate in this study. There was considerable variation among the responding dermatologists in terms of their knowledge and attitudes toward biologics. There were some significant associations between knowledge and attitudes of dermatologists toward biologics and their personal and professional characteristics. Conclusions: More comprehensive educational approaches, both in the dermatology residency and postgraduation periods, could be very beneficial to promote the knowledge and attitude of the dermatologist in treating psoriasis with biologic agents. This study could be one of the first steps to develop a country-based or a region-based plan to improve the knowledge and attitude among dermatologists regarding the use of biologic drugs in psoriasis and possibly to reach a better status to prescribe these agents in the management of psoriasis. Keywords: Anti-TNF drugs, Attitude, Biologic therapies, Knowledge, Psoriasis, Treatment