Frequency of skin diseases and associated factors in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi

Abstract

Introduction Skin disease affects 30-70% of individuals. Skin disease patterns are variable from country to country and from one region to another within the country. Many factors govern the pattern of skin diseases like personal hygiene, over-crowding, nutritional status, socioeconomic condition and traditional taboos. Among the ten most prevalent diseases worldwide fungal infections, skin and subcutaneous diseases, acne are included. Studies have shown that scabies is the most frequent skin condition in Pakistan. Other prevalent skin conditions include acne, fungal infection and psoriasis. The pattern of infections varied in different age groups and demographic conditions. Materials and Methods It was a cross-sectional study conducted at Dermatology out- patient department of Abbasi shaheed hospital Karachi. All patients attending Dermatology out-patient department having age between 5-70 years were included. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire and face to face interview was conducted from the participants. Data was analyzed by using IBM SPSS v.20. Results The study included 300 participants. Out of 300, 26.7% (80) were males and 73.3% (220) were females. Highest percentage of participants were between age range of 16-30 years 49% (147). Acne was the most frequent disease encountered having frequency of 23.3% (69). Most frequent skin diseases in men was Fungal Infections 21.2%(17). In females the most frequent skin diseases observed was Acne 24.5%(69). Highest percentage of participants (43.7%) belong to class having monthly income between 10,000-25,000 rupees. Conclusion Skin disease pattern is varied in different age groups, children and young people being affected most. People of low socio-economic group were affected most necessitating the need to improve the living standards and hygiene conditions.