Ophthalmic Drug Abuse: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Ophthalmologists in Jordan

This study was conducted to provide background regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of ophthalmologists in Jordan regarding ophthalmic product abuse and misuse. A cross-sectional self-reported survey was conducted among a sample of ophthalmologists of all ranks who were working at different hospitals, centers, and clinics in Jordan. A total of 137 valid questionnaires were returned (response rate = 69.1%). The majority of respondents were male (73.7%) and between 20 and 40 years old. Only 47.4% of our sample knew the correct difference between the definitions "abuse" and "misuse." The majority of participating ophthalmologists (87.6%) reported that ophthalmic drugs were liable to abuse. Ophthalmologists 40 years or younger had more knowledge about ophthalmic products abuse than their older counterparts (p < 0.05). Most ophthalmologists (67.2%) reported Pentolate (R) eye drop (cyclopentolate) as the top ophthalmic product liable to abuse. This study provided, for the first time, background regarding the knowledge, attitude, and practice of ophthalmologists about this relatively uncommon and alerting type of drug abuse. Moreover, it highlighted the importance of increasing awareness of ophthalmologists and community pharmacists who dispense such drugs about the issue.