Abstract
BackgroundSkin diseases are common and often have an impact on an individual’s health-related quality of life. In rural communities where access to healthcare may be limited and individuals rely on farming for food and income, the impact of skin diseases may be greater.The objectives for this study were to perform an assessment of skin disease prevalence in a rural village in Laos and assess the associated impact of any skin disease found using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).MethodsA rural village was purposively selected and 340 participants examined by dermatologists over a four day period. Brief questionnaires were performed, followed by full body skin examinations and DLQI questionnaires completed were relevant. The data were analysed using chi square and Wilcoxon signed rank tests.ResultsOne hundred and eighty-one participants were found to have a skin disease (53%). The six most common skin diseases were: eczema (22%), dermatophyte infections (19%), acne (10%), scabies infestation (9%), melasma (8%) and pityriasis versicolor (4%). Just over half of those with skin disease (51%) completed the DLQI, with scores ranging from 0 to 24. Those with skin problems on examination were significantly more likely to be farmers, have had a previous skin problem, be older or live in a smaller family.Conclusions This study represents the first formal documentation of skin disease prevalence in Laos and establishes the high rate of skin disease in the rural community and the associated impact these diseases have on health-related quality of life.
Highlights
Skin diseases are common and often have an impact on an individual’s health-related quality of life
The purpose of this study was to assess a sample of the rural Lao population to give an indication of the prevalence of skin disease in this environment
Five rural villages within the Hadxaifong District of Vientiane Capital province were identified as suitable locations for the study as they had been involved in previous, non-dermatological research with the Unit
Summary
Skin diseases are common and often have an impact on an individual’s health-related quality of life. The objectives for this study were to perform an assessment of skin disease prevalence in a rural village in Laos and assess the associated impact of any skin disease found using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Skin disease is known to have a significant impact on quality of life, productivity and mental health [1, 2]. This is true of skin diseases with both an infective aetiology [3] as well as inflammatory dermatoses. It is reasonable to predict that the impact of any skin disease will be even more substantial in lower socioeconomic populations with limited access to health care and an agricultural economy. Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, with the rainy season extending from May to October, followed by the cool, dry season through to February and the hot, dry season in March and April
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