Ethical Considerations and Best Practices in Detecting and Managing Steroid Abuse: Balancing Patient Privacy and Intervention Strategies

Apio Christine

School of Nursing Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Steroid abuse has emerged as a significant public health concern with both physical and psychological consequences that challenge healthcare providers in ethical decision-making. The detection and management of steroid misuse involve complex considerations, particularly when balancing patient privacy with the need for effective intervention. This review explores the ethical dilemmas healthcare professionals face in identifying and addressing steroid abuse, including the tension between maintaining confidentiality and ensuring patient well-being. By examining key ethical principles autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice the review outlines best practices for healthcare providers in detecting and managing steroid abuse, ensuring patient trust while fostering positive health outcomes. Strategies such as early detection, patient-centered care, and multidisciplinary approaches are discussed alongside the challenges of stigma, resource limitations, and conflicts of interest. The review offers actionable recommendations for healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers to enhance ethical decision-making and improve public health responses to steroid abuse.

Keywords: Steroid abuse, ethical considerations, patient privacy, healthcare intervention.

CITE AS: Apio Christine (2025). Ethical Considerations and Best Practices in Detecting and Managing Steroid Abuse: Balancing Patient Privacy and Intervention Strategies. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 10(1):14-18. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2025/101.141800