ANALYZING EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PATTERNS OF CONTACT DERMATITIS AMONG PATIENTS FROM BOTH RURAL AND URBAN AREAS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abhishek  Kumar; Uday Kumar  Udayan; Zigu S.  Krishn

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i12.987

Authors

Abhishek Kumar Senior Resident, Department of Skin and VD, Darbhanga Medical College & Hospital, Lehariasarai, Bihar, India.
Uday Kumar Udayan Assistant Professor, Department of Skin and VD, Darbhanga Medical College & Hospital, Lehariasarai, Bihar, India.
Zigu S. Krishn Junior Resident, Department of Skin and VD, Darbhanga Medical College & Hospital, Lehariasarai, Bihar, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i12.987

Keywords:

Allergic Skin Disorder, Dermatitis, Epidemiology, Prevalence

Abstract

Background

The number of dermatitis caused by contact cases is on the rise. There is few research on the occurrence and demographic traits of skin allergies in India. The purpose of this study was to determine how common dermatitis is caused by contact and assess the pattern of epidemiology of the condition in rural and urban communities.

Methods

Each participant signed an informed agreement, and the study was carried out in a medical school in an eastern Indian semi-urban area. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Darbhanga Medical College & Hospital in Lehariasarai, Bihar, India for a period of 6 months. There were 134 patients in the study group who were seen in the outpatient department (OPD) of dermatology and had lesions that were clinically indicating that contact dermatitis exists. Depending on their address, patients visiting the OPD were separated into rural and urban groups. The statistical techniques used for data analysis were appropriate, standard, and suitable.

Results

Participants in the dermatological OPD had a contact dermatitis rate of 4.38%. The prevalence in urban areas was substantially (P < 0.05) higher than that in rural areas. More number of patients were observed in the age group of 41-50. Women were more impacted in urban regions than in rural ones. In terms of occupation, there was a difference that was statistically significant (P < 0.05) between contact dermatitis patients in urban and rural areas. The urban group had a considerably higher cosmetic history (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

There was a significant statistical variation in the prevalence of contact dermatitis and patient profiles for some characteristics, between individuals living in rural and urban areas.

Recommendation

More study population would be needed at different intervals to validate the study findings and ascertain if these modifications are transient or permanent.