Background: Skin diseases are common, especially in the developing countries. Mental health disorders are prevalent among those with skin diseases and affect their life and their treatment. Anxiety is one of the psychiatric disorders, and its symptoms were found among the patients with skin diseases. This survey analysis aimed to explore the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety among patients with skin diseases.
Methodology: A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed in outpatient clinics among adult patients, who were suffering from anxiety with common skin disease. The questionnaire included questions regarding socio-demographics, perceived stigma, social support, and anxiety. Data analysis was done through Statistical Package for the Social Science program version 22.
Results: Patients with facial skin diseases were significantly the highest sufferers of anxiety among all patients with skin diseases (p-value < 0.001). Also, Eczema patients were significantly the most anxious and worried about their disease (p-value < 0.001). While Acne constituted a significant majority of those who were unable to stop or control their worries, to worry about different issues, to have problems in relaxing more than half days, and to be easily annoyed every day compared to other patients (p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion: Patients with dermatological diseases have a high level of anxiety and worry, especially with acne and skin disease affecting visible areas like the face. Further studies are required in Saudi Arabia to explore the true estimates of this problem.
Key words: Prevalence, factors, anxiety, common skin disease
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