Psychiatric Morbidity among Dermatology Patients: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study

Background: Increased frequency of psychiatric and emotional health problems has been reported among patients with dermatological lesions. These problems could negatively affect the quality of life of these patients. Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychiatric morbidity among dermatology patients. It also sought to determine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and psychiatric morbidity. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study consisting of 90 consenting patients attending the dermatological clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. These patients filled the study questionnaire which comprised of a sociodemographic questionnaire, general health questionnaire (GHQ-12), and a perceived stigma scale. A GHQ score of >= 3 was considered as having psychiatric morbidity. Statistical analysis was performed at the 0.05 significance level. Results: The mean age of the patients was 32 +/- 13 years and a male to female ratio of 1:2; 34 of the 90 patients (38%) had psychiatric morbidity. Forty-three (48%) patients had perceived stigma, with mild perceived stigma as the most common category (40%) of perceived stigma. There was no significant relationship between sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and psychiatric morbidity (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Psychiatric morbidity is common among patients with dermatological lesions irrespective of their sociodemographic characteristics. Addressing the psychosocial care of patients who attend the dermatologic outpatient clinic may be helpful.