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Perceived Stigmatization among Dermatological Outpatients Compared with Controls: An Observational Multicentre Study
Sylvia Van Beugen1, Christina Schut2, Jörg Kupfer2
1Institute of Psychology, Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands. s.van.beugen@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|June 22, 2023
Summary
Patients with skin conditions experience significant stigmatization, impacting their psychosocial well-being. Key predictors include disease severity, psychological distress, and sociodemographic factors, informing targeted interventions for affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychosocial Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Perceived stigmatization imposes a substantial psychosocial burden on individuals with certain skin conditions.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the experience of stigmatization across diverse skin diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify perceived stigmatization in patients with a wide range of skin diseases.
- To identify predictors of perceived stigmatization in this population across 17 European countries.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study involving 5,487 dermatology outpatients and 2,808 skin-healthy controls.
- Data collection via self-report questionnaires on perceived stigmatization and potential predictors.
- Clinician assessment of dermatological diagnosis, disease severity, and comorbidity.
Main Results:
- Patients with skin diseases reported significantly higher perceived stigmatization than controls.
- Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia, and bullous disorders were associated with particularly high levels of stigmatization.
- Predictors included younger age, male sex, being single, higher BMI, poorer general health, greater disease severity, itch, longer disease duration, psychological distress, suicidal ideation, body dysmorphic concerns, and lower appearance satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Perceived stigmatization is a prevalent issue among patients with various skin diseases.
- Identified factors enable clinicians and policymakers to target vulnerable groups and develop evidence-based interventions for improved patient management.
