Bullying in persons with skin diseases

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on bullying experiences within dermatologic patient populations.
• Individuals with visible skin conditions are disproportionately vulnerable to bullying.
• Understanding the scope of this issue is crucial for patient support and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and nature of bullying experienced by patients with skin diseases.
• To compare bullying experiences across different countries and age demographics.
• To inform the 'Bullying among Dermatologic Patients' project objectives.

Main Methods:

• Data collection involved international social media groups, in- and out-patients, and parents of children with skin diseases across six European countries.
• Surveys were administered to patients and students in Poland and Ukraine, specifically asking about bullying due to skin problems.
• Inclusion criteria covered a wide range of skin diseases and age groups.

Main Results:

• Bullying was reported by 1016 patients across 36 distinct skin diseases.
• Self-reported bullying prevalence varied significantly by country, with higher rates (63.7%) reported in international patient groups compared to face-to-face consultations (25.6%).
• Verbal abuse and social isolation were the most common forms of bullying; negative long-term effects were reported by 63% of respondents, with a peak prevalence between ages 13-15.

Conclusions:

• Skin disease-related bullying is a global issue, confirmed across all participating centers.
• Manifestations of bullying were consistent across different countries and skin conditions.
• Multidirectional international initiatives targeting various stakeholders (educators, parents, peers, patients) are essential for prevention and intervention.