Anna Kubrak, Anna Zimny-Zając, Sebastian Makuch, Łukasz Pawelec, Beata Jankowska-Polańska, Wojciech Tański, Jacek C Szepietowski, Siddarth Agrawal
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Although skin diseases are a significant public health concern, epidemiological data for Poland is still lacking. This study aimed to fill this scientific gap by analyzing the prevalence of skin diseases and associated risk factors in the Polish population.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Healthy Skin Test (2023), an online questionnaire distributed via the Medonet health platform, involving 27,000 adult Polish internet users. Participants self-reported physician-diagnosed skin conditions. The prevalence of these conditions was assessed, and statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was used to evaluate associations with demographic and socioeconomic factors (age, gender, education level, and urbanization).
Results: The most prevalent skin conditions were herpes labialis (40.6%), dandruff (37.6%), hair loss (34.8%), and acne (32.7%), with 89.5% of participants reporting at least one condition. Striking gender differences were observed, with psoriasis (odds ratio [OR] = 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.80-2.30) and tinea pedis (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.90-2.30) in men, while women were more prone to rosacea (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.50-0.70) and hair loss (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.60-0.70). Higher education was unexpectedly associated with an increased risk of multiple conditions, including acne (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.40-1.60) and non-melanoma skin cancer (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.20-1.80), but a decreased risk of psoriasis (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.80-1.00). Urban residents of cities with > 500,000 inhabitants showed a significantly higher prevalence of atopic dermatitis/eczema (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.00-1.30) and non-melanoma skin cancer (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.40-2.90) compared with other areas.
Conclusions: This first overview of skin disease epidemiology in Poland reveals significant variations in prevalence based on demographic and socioeconomic factors. These findings have important public health implications, suggesting the need for: (1) gender-specific dermatological education campaigns, (2) age-targeted skin cancer screening programs for those over 65 years, (3) improved access to dermatological care in rural areas, and (4) educational interventions addressing the observed socioeconomic disparities in disease prevalence and detection.
期刊介绍：
Dermatology and Therapy is an international, open access, peer-reviewed, rapid publication journal (peer review in 2 weeks, published 3–4 weeks from acceptance). The journal is dedicated to the publication of high-quality clinical (all phases), observational, real-world, and health outcomes research around the discovery, development, and use of dermatological therapies. Studies relating to diagnosis, pharmacoeconomics, public health and epidemiology, quality of life, and patient care, management, and education are also encouraged.
Areas of focus include, but are not limited to all clinical aspects of dermatology, such as skin pharmacology; skin development and aging; prevention, diagnosis, and management of skin disorders and melanomas; research into dermal structures and pathology; and all areas of aesthetic dermatology, including skin maintenance, dermatological surgery, and lasers.
The journal is of interest to a broad audience of pharmaceutical and healthcare professionals and publishes original research, reviews, case reports/case series, trial protocols, and short communications. Dermatology and Therapy will consider all scientifically sound research be it positive, confirmatory or negative data. Submissions are welcomed whether they relate to an International and/or a country-specific audience, something that is crucially important when researchers are trying to target more specific patient populations. This inclusive approach allows the journal to assist in the dissemination of quality research, which may be considered of insufficient interest by other journals. The journal appeals to a global audience and receives submissions from all over the world.
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