Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Patients with Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding seborrheic dermatitis among patients with seborrheic dermatitis.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 12 to October 31, 2025, at the Liupanshui Municipal People's Hospital, China. Data were collected using a structured, pilot-tested Chinese questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics and three KAP dimensions.

A total of 387 patients were included, with a mean age of 31.8 years; most were female (70.5%) and had an associate degree or higher (64.9%). The mean knowledge score was 8.81 ± 6.74 (possible range: 0-22), the mean attitude score was 30.80 ± 3.34 (possible range: 8-40), and the mean practice score was 32.07 ± 7.13 (possible range: 10-50). Knowledge scores were below the 70% threshold, whereas attitude scores exceeded the threshold and practice scores did not. Knowledge was positively correlated with attitudes (r = 0.327, P < 0.001) and practices (r = 0.530, P < 0.001), and attitudes were positively correlated with practices (r = 0.515, P < 0.001). Structural equation modeling showed a significant direct statistical association between knowledge and attitudes (β = 0.798, P = 0.004) and between attitudes and practices (β = 1.028, P = 0.010), with knowledge demonstrating an indirect statistical association with practices through attitudes (β = 0.820, P = 0.005).

Participants demonstrated limited perceived knowledge, generally positive attitudes, and suboptimal self-management practices related to seborrheic dermatitis. Furthermore, attitudes were statistically associated with both knowledge and practices, highlighting that knowledge alone is insufficient for effective self-management. Clinically, prospective studies are needed to determine whether a structured approach to patient education combined with counseling focused on patients' underlying beliefs can improve long-term disease control and treatment adherence.