LIFESTYLE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PREVALENCE OF SKIN DISEASES AT A PRIMARY CARE CENTER IN KARACHI

ABSTRACT

Background:

To determine the burden and assess the risk factors of skin diseases in Primary Health Care Centers in Karachi.

Methods:

A total of 360 patients came to the primary health care center over the span of 6 months from May 2017 to October 2017 .Out of them 151 had some sort of dermatological ailment. They were examined thoroughly for skin lesions and interviewed. Data was collected by reading out questionnaires to the patients, and filled accordingly.

Results:

It was observed in our study that 151(41.9%) patients presenting to primary care center had dermatological complaints. Mean age determined was 25 years. 87% of the study population was female whilethe rest were males. In our study, skin ailments were broadly divided into 3 categories out of which chronic skin conditions ( 43%) like lichen planus, alopecia and pityriasis alba turned out to be most common, followed by infectious skin diseases ( 36.4%) such as scabies, tineas and impetigo. Least recurring were allergic skin disorders ( 20.5%)such as atopic dermatitis. Sharing of personal items and animal contact were statistically significant variables and had strong association with skin ailments. While overcrowding, family history of similar skin condition and past personal history of same skin condition were not determined to be significantly associated with the presentation.

Conclusion:

Our study shows a spectrum of skin diseases prevalent in high numbers in our population. This identifies the need for qualified family physicians with special training in dermatology to treat the masses effectively and decrease the morbidity. Detailed counseling should be offered to avoid sharing of clothes and minimizing animal contact as muchsince possible since skin diseases are mostly contagious. Community awareness programs should be conducted in which personal hygiene should be discussed. Scarcity of water is a social issue prevalent in this area so some policies regarding this issue should be imposed to improve the situation.

KEYWORDS:

Dermatological ailments, Contagious, Prevalence, Primary care

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