Abstract
BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing and pruritic inflammatory skin disease whose management remains unclear to most non-dermatologists. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the medical staff regarding AD in Yaoundé, Cameroon.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted from January to April 2014 in 20 health facilities located in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon. All medical staff who provided their consent were included in the study. A score was established for each of the KAP categories, and subsequently grouped into 4 classes considering a score <50, 50-<65, 65-<85 or ≥85%, respectively.ResultsWe enrolled 100 medical personnel, 62% of whom were females. Overall, the level of knowledge on AD was moderate (65%). Allergy was the main cause of AD, stated by 64% of participants. Only 43% personnel cited the genetic cause. Asthma was mentioned by 78% as an associated pathology. Regarding attitudes, the majority (84%) thought that AD is equally common among Black and Caucasian populations; 42% of participants believed that evolution is favorable when appropriate medical treatment is prescribed. These attitudes were considered wrong (64%). Similarly, the general level of practice was inadequate: 50%.ConclusionLevels of knowledge, attitudes and practices of the medical staff regarding AD were poor, implying that management of this condition is non optimal in our setting.
Highlights
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing and pruritic inflammatory skin disease whose management remains unclear to most non-dermatologists
An epidemiological study conducted at the Yaoundé General Hospital (Cameroon) by ZoungKanyi et al found that allergic skin diseases were more common in children aged 0–5 years with AD as the leading one [2]
Mesrati et al in a pediatric dermatology unit in Tunisia noticed that 7.5% of consultations concerned AD [3], which contrasts with a prevalence of 10–25% reported in Western countries [4]
Summary
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing and pruritic inflammatory skin disease whose management remains unclear to most non-dermatologists. Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing and pruritic inflammatory skin disease [1]. An epidemiological study conducted at the Yaoundé General Hospital (Cameroon) by ZoungKanyi et al found that allergic skin diseases were more common in children aged 0–5 years with AD as the leading one [2]. Onset of this condition occurs mostly in the first months of life. AD is caused by defects in epidermal and cutaneous barriers which allow penetration of environmental molecules in contact with the skin This results in a cutaneous inflammaxtion of which T-cells are responsible, directed against environmental allergens (extrinsic AD) and/or cutaneous auto-antigens (intrinsic AD). AD can occur either in a context of atopy
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