Patient Perspectives on Steroid Treatment for Inflammatory Pain: A Qualitative Study

Bwanbale Geoffrey David

Faculty of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda

                                                                                                ABSTRACT
Steroid therapy remains a cornerstone in managing inflammatory pain associated with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. While glucocorticoids provide rapid symptomatic relief, their use is often accompanied by significant physical and psychological side effects, influencing patient adherence and treatment outcomes. This qualitative review explores patient perspectives on steroid therapy, examining lived experiences, beliefs, fears, and coping strategies. Findings highlight the dual perception of steroids as both “miracle drugs” and potentially harmful agents, shaped by misinformation, cultural beliefs, and prior experiences. Barriers to adherence include fear of adverse effects, inadequate counseling, socioeconomic constraints, and reliance on alternative therapies. Effective patient-centered management requires comprehensive education, culturally sensitive communication, multidisciplinary care, and structured follow-up mechanisms. Integrating patient feedback into clinical decision-making and treatment guidelines can enhance adherence, satisfaction, and overall clinical outcomes. Prioritizing patient perspectives fosters shared decisionmaking, optimizes therapeutic efficacy, and improves quality of life for individuals receiving steroid therapy for chronic inflammatory pain.

Keywords: Steroids, glucocorticoids, inflammatory pain, patient perspectives, adherence, chronic conditions.

CITE AS: Bwanbale Geoffrey David. (2026). Patient Perspectives on Steroid Treatment for Inflammatory Pain: A Qualitative Study. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY,7(1):51-55.
https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJPP/2026/715155