Rural Dermatology in the Subtropics: A Cross-Sectional Study of Patterns of Dermatoses, Follow-Up Visits, and...

Dermatological conditions pose a significant global public health burden, with a paucity of data from rural-based dermatology services providing longitudinal care. The present prospective study was conducted between November 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023, to study the pattern of dermatoses, treatment adherence, and follow-up among patients seen by the dermatology service at a rural health center in north India. After appropriate ethical clearance and informed consent, all patients were screened for dermatological diseases, and clinicodemographic details were recorded. On subsequent visits, compliance with follow-up and treatment adherence were assessed through direct patient interviews and review of medical records. A total of 538 study participants (mean age = 36.2 ± 18.0 years) were included; females outnumbered males (male-to-female ratio = 0.79). Dermatophytic infections (24%), eczema (16.6%), scabies (13.2%), acne (10.6%), and pigmentary diseases (8.9%) were observed. Treatment adherence was observed in 17.8% of patients; 16.7% of patients followed up at the prescribed time. The majority of patients with dermatophytic infections (75.4%) had at least one follow-up visit (P = 0.003). Noninfectious diseases were more common among older age groups (P = 0.034), whereas scabies was more common among the young (P = 0.001). Dermatophytic infections were the most common dermatoses seen among the rural population, with poor follow-up and low treatment adherence. Noncompliance was due to a lack of a caregiver or transportation and financial reasons, among others. The present study highlights the urban-rural gap in dermatology care, demonstrating a diverse spectrum of dermatoses, low treatment adherence, and poor follow-up in a rural population. The present study raises the need for increased awareness, improved community dermatology services, and strengthened rural outreach and emphasizes the potential benefits of enhanced dermatological care for underserved populations.