Dermatoepidemiology: A Household Survey Among Two Urban Areas In Basrah City, Iraq

Abstract

Background: The studies on the frequency and distribution of skin diseases in Iraq use to be on a small scale and not comprehensive because these are either based on hospital attendance or only for specific diseases or specific group of population such as school or occupation. Objectives : The study represents an attempt to explore epidemiological issues related to skin disorders and to estimate the prevalence and distribution of skin diseases in two urban areas in Basrah city, southern area in Iraq . Patients and methods : A cross-sectional community based study was carried out among the population of two urban areas of low and high socioeconomic status in Basrah city, namely Al-Jamhoriah (area A) and Manawi-Basha (area B). The sample design adapted was multi-stage sampling technique Results :The number of houses was 1080 with total population of 3649 and 3017 inhabitants in area (A) and area (B )respectively The overall prevalence rate of skin disorders was 29.1 % in area (A) and 20.3% in area (B) with a significant difference between the two areas. High prevalence rates of skin disorders were among age groups (15<25 and 25<45) years old, and among housewives in both areas .The study showed that the leading causes ,when all forms of skin disorders were considered together in both areas , were as follow: The skin infections and infestation (bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic ) were constituted (23.9%)of all skin problems , followed by eczema / dermatitis (19.0%) and acne vulgaris (16.8%). Skin disorders among the population studied were classified according to international statistical classification of diseases (10-1CD) . Conclusions: Skin diseases are common in the community, affecting all age groups of both sexes, and Infectious and infestation diseases were the major problems especially in those of low socio-economic status.