Atopic dermatitis: Epidemiological and clinical aspects and the associated factors in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) or atopic eczema is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by intense pruritus and skin xerosis. Its prevalence is increasing in low-income countries and it has a major socio-economic impact. However, very few studies have included all age groups, and knowledge of factors associated with AD remains limited in our context. We, therefore, conducted a study to assess the epidemiological aspects and factors associated with AD in hospitals in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, analytical study conducted from December 2020 to July 2021 in four health facilities in Yaoundé. All patients consulting at dermatology departments with signs of AD and freely consenting were included. Sociodemographic, environmental, and clinical data was studied and analyzed with SPSS, version 26, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Among the 248 patients enrolled, 84 suffered from AD. These were mainly children (64.3%) and female (sex ratio: 0.4). The mother’s occupation (housewife, retired, private sector employee), the participant’s and father’s level of education, a history of asthma in siblings, and a history of flexural fold lesions were associated with AD. Conclusion: AD is more common in children and is strongly related to socio-demographic factors. Key words: Atopic dermatitis; Sociodemographic factors; Associated factors; Yaoundé; Cameroon