Skin Diseases and Impact on Quality of Life in the Central Development Region Of Nepal: A Major Public Health Problem

Abstract

Introduction: Skin diseases are one of the most common health problems in Nepal. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of skin diseases and impact on quality of life in the rural areas of central development region of Nepal.

Methods: The study was conducted in the 10 VDCs of 4 districts – Dolakha, Kavre, Makawanpur and Chitwan – of the central development region. A house-to-house survey was carried out to obtain socio-demographic data and identify individuals with skin diseases. Then a dermatologic health camp was conducted in each VDC. During the health camp, the skin diseases diagnosed were recorded and villagers with skin diseases more than 1 month duration were interviewed with skin disease disability index, to assess the impact on the quality of life.

Results: A total of 7348 inhabitants (male – 3651, female – 3787) were surveyed. Of 2586 individuals with skin disease attending the health camps, 1862 (male – 721 and female – 1141, mean age 31.4yrs, range 6 months – 90years) were included in the study. The overall prevalence of skin diseases was 25%. The most common SD categories were eczemas, pigment disorders, fungal infections, nevi and urticarial. The mean skin disease disability index score in the central development region was 13.7, indicating very large impact on the quality of life.

Conclusion: The prevalence of skin diseases and impact on quality of life is very high in the rural areas of the central development region of Nepal. It is a major public health problem. Targeted intervention at the primary health care level should help to reduce the burden.