A Study on Types of Skin Diseases and its Impact on Quality of Life of Patients Coming to Private Hospitals in Dhaka city

Abstract

The skin is the largest organ in the body and it performs many vital functions such as protection against external physical, chemical, and biologic assailants. While skin diseases are very common among the populations in many developing countries, they have not been regarded as a significant problem that could benefit from public health measures. The aim of the study was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge about skin diseases and to observe their effect on quality of life. A total number of 148 patients of different private hospitals in Dhaka city were surveyed with a questionnaire in order to assess the awareness and knowledge regarding skin disease. Informed consent was obtained from the eligible participants before interview and participants who agreed to join the study provided the required information for the studies. Among them majority (62.2%) patients were female and highest number of patients were in the age group of 19 to 30 years. Greater part of patients had allergy (21.62%), psoriasis (16.89%) and acne (15.54%). Summer season had the maximum effect on skin and 53.38% participant had the influence of environment outside home. About 53% participants were aware about the risk factors for skin diseases. While 50% knew that bad hygiene have higher chances of contributing towards contracting skin infection, whereas 32.85% of them were aware that lack of sleep as a risk factor for infection. Among the participants 91.21% took medicines and steroids (74.07%) were the most common drugs taken by the patients. After hearing conversation, it was revealed that many patients were not satisfied with their treatment as they have to visit several times for the treatment but were still did not have any positive effect. Skin infections caused physical symptoms like itchiness, soreness and painful wounds which affect quality of life of 69.51% patients. From the result it was seen that the knowledge of the skin conditions were was not at satisfactory level among the specific settings of the patients of our country. Such awareness and knowledge could lead to better understanding and acceptance of the importance of the early detection and treatment of skin diseases.