Perception of dermatological patients about their disease

A cross-sectional descriptive survey was carried out between August and October 1993 to determine the perception of patients with dermatological complaints about their disease. This study was done in Busia District, Kenya. The patients were identified and orally interviewed using pre-designed questionnaire. Information collected included personal and medical history; socio-economic factors; knowledge, attitude and practices of the study subjects regarding their disease. A total of 92 cases (36 males and 56 females) were interviewed. 44.6% were peasant farmers, 13.0% engaged in petty business while 20.7% were students. 58.7% were married, 34.8% single and 6.5% widowed/separated. None of the study subjects knew the causative factors of their disease. 80.4% believed their disease was curable while 54.3% sought immediate medical attention compared to 45.7% who did not; 40.2% admitted they used herbal medicine before seeking medical attention. The results of this study seem to indicate what there is need to increase awareness of the local community about various dermatoses as regards the causative factors, consequences of these diseases if left untreated, and treatment duration.