VIEWS AND PRACTICES OF DERMATOLOGISTS REGARDING PREVENTABLE SKIN DISEASES

Views and Practice of Dermatologists

Abstract

Objective: To find out views and practice of dermatologists regarding prevention of preventable skin diseases.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was set up in Apr-May 2010 at PAF Hospital Faisal, Karachi, Pakistan.
Material and Methods: A close-ended questionnaire was sent to 100 dermatologists through resource persons at different places throughout the country. It included basic information about them, their views and practice regarding prevention of these diseases. Data was managed and analyzed using SPSS-17.
Results: Fifty dermatologists thought that frequency of preventable skin diseases in their clinical practice is 26- 50%. Fifty-six observed educated community as the most important link for prevention, 46 held governments responsible and 42 consider busy schedule as barrier to educate community. Thirty dermatologists delivered talk to general public, 11 at schools, colleges and factories, 07 appeared on mass media and 08 prepared leaflets, pamphlets and brochures regarding preventive aspects of skin diseases at least once during last one year.
Conclusion: Dermatologists in Pakistan are aware of magnitude of the problem and understand importance of public education; however only a few dermatologists have endeavored to take up this task.