Dermatological disorders and dermatology-specific quality of life among secondary students in public and private schools in Kwara state, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Skin problems are very common and often affect people in very visible places leading to significant physical and psychological distress. Adolescents go through physiologic changes in their body during puberty with associated psychosocial changes. Having to live with skin disorders during  these years can have life-long impact. This study aimed to describe the spectrum of skin disorders in adolescents attending secondary schools in  Kwara state and evaluate the dermatology-specific quality of life of those affected by skin disorders.

Objective: To describe the spectrum of skin disorders  among adolescents in secondary schools and evaluate the impact of skin disorders on the dermatology-specific quality of life of those affected.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. We examined 1000 students from 16 public and private secondary schools in Ilorin, Kwara state.  Participant selection was done using a multi- staged stratified random sampling method. The impact on quality of life was evaluated with the  Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) to determine their dermatology-specific Quality of life. Data obtained was analyzed with SPSS version  20 and was presented using tables and figures.

Results: The prevalence of skin disease in the study population was 68.4%. The most common skin  disorders in order of decreasing frequency were: acne, pityriasisversicolor, dermatophytoses (Including tinea capits, tinea corporis, tinea pedis, tinea  unguium and tinea cruris), pityriasis capitis and traction alopecia. About three- quarters of those with skin disease reported an effect on their quality of  life. The most frequent effect on Qol was attributed to the symptoms and feelings elicited by skin disease.

Discussion: This study found a high prevalence  of skin disease in adolescents with most of them reporting an effect on their quality of life resulting from their skin problem however this was mostly a  mild effect.