Impact of COVID-19 on Dermatology practice: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The sudden outbreak of novel coronavirus has caused confusion, anxiety, and fear not only among the general public but also the health-care system. Considering widespread effects of the disease spilling into all aspects of life in general population and health-care workers alike, we conducted a study regarding the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the functioning of the department of dermatology at a tertiary care hospital during the period of lockdown. Objective: We aimed to study the impact of COVID-19 infection and lockdown due to pandemic on practice of dermatology and workings in the outpatient department (OPD) at a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on patients attending the dermatology OPD at a tertiary care center from April 11, 2020, to May 31, 2020. Patients were interviewed on the basis of a simple questionnaire seeking demographic details, complaints, diagnosis, history, and duration of treatment. Data obtained were recorded as numbers and percentages. Results: A total of 1022 individuals participated in the study with 620 (60.6%) males and 402 (39.33%) females. Among them, 625 (61.15%) were localities and 395 (38.64%) were from surrounding rural areas. The age of patients ranged from 6 months to 94 years, and majority were farmers. Eight hundred and twenty-nine (81.1%) were educated and 146 (14.2%) were illiterates. Six hundred and ninety-seven (68.1%) of the participants were new and 325 (31.8%) follow-up cases. Dermatophytosis 194 (27.8%) and psoriasis 15 (4.6%) were the most common diagnoses among new and old cases, respectively. Conclusion: A significant reduction was observed in the number of patients visiting the department seeking treatment. The pandemic necessitated various modifications in the patient examination and management protocols.