| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2021 | Volume
: 25
| Issue : 1 | Page : 22-25 |
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Psychiatric morbidity among dermatology patients: A hospital-based cross-sectional study
Dasetima D Altraide1, Chukwuma U Okeafor2, Bolaji I Otike-Odibi1
1 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
2 Department of Mental Health/Neuropsychiatry, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Chukwuma U Okeafor
Department of Mental Health/Neuropsychiatry, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, P M B 6173, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/jdds.jdds_41_20
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Background: Increased frequency of psychiatric and emotional health problems has been reported among patients with dermatological lesions. These problems could negatively affect the quality of life of these patients. Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychiatric morbidity among dermatology patients. It also sought to determine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and psychiatric morbidity. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study consisting of 90 consenting patients attending the dermatological clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. These patients filled the study questionnaire which comprised of a sociodemographic questionnaire, general health questionnaire (GHQ-12), and a perceived stigma scale. A GHQ score of ≥ 3 was considered as having psychiatric morbidity. Statistical analysis was performed at the 0.05 significance level. Results: The mean age of the patients was 32 ± 13 years and a male to female ratio of 1:2; 34 of the 90 patients (38%) had psychiatric morbidity. Forty-three (48%) patients had perceived stigma, with mild perceived stigma as the most common category (40%) of perceived stigma. There was no significant relationship between sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and psychiatric morbidity (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Psychiatric morbidity is common among patients with dermatological lesions irrespective of their sociodemographic characteristics. Addressing the psychosocial care of patients who attend the dermatologic outpatient clinic may be helpful.
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