title: The changes and difficulties experienced by patients using steroids.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to determine the changes and difficulties experienced by patients because of the side effects of steroids and the effects on their life styles.
  
  
  METHODS
  This descriptive analytical study was carried out through interviews using a questionnaire for data collection. The study was conducted in Rheumatology and Nephrology Polyclinic of Hacettepe University Adult Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. There were 146 rheumatology and nephrology patients in the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings indicated that 68.4% of patients experienced changes in body appearance, and 60.4% of these said they had difficulties. It was determined that changes in the digestive system occurred in 40.4% of the patients, and 44.1% of them had a number of difficulties. Changes occurred in the bone/muscle system of 39% of the patients, and 63.2% of them had difficulties. Psychological changes were observed in 48.6% of the patients, 63.3% of whom said they experienced difficulties.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was determined that patients using steroids had difficulties due to the side effects of the drug.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Medical Nursing, Dumlupinar University School of Health, Kutahya, Yurkey, Turkey.
authors.forename: Guler Balci
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Alparslan
authors.forename: Sevgi Sun
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Kapucu
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001168:Arthritis / Q000188:drug therapy; D001828:Body Image; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D013256:Steroids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014421:Turkey
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids