Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Hidradenitis Suppurativa among Young Adults in Singapore

Published: 29 March 2023| Version 2 | DOI: 10.17632/9cw8gpbkxm.2
Contributors:
Matthew Song Peng Ng, Joel Guanyi Lim, John Ming Yan Koh, Sz-Ying Lee, Claire Hui Xian Seah, Samuel Chang, Joshua Teik Ann Tan, Vanessa Wei Shen Tan, Dhana Senthil Kumar, Ellie Choi, Gregor Jemec, John Frew,
, Nisha Suyien Chandran

Description

Background: The prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is 0.00033% to 4.10% globally. Few epidemiological studies derive from Asia, with social stigmatisation postulated to result in under-diagnosis. Objective: This study aimed to assess the self-reported prevalence of HS, and the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards HS among Singaporean young-adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study (n=158) was conducted by anonymous online questionnaire. The association between demographic factors and risk of potentially undiagnosed HS was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Differences between attitude-perception scores by demographic factors and knowledge of HS were tested using two-sample t-tests. Results: The prevalence of diagnosed and potentially undiagnosed HS was 0.63% and 8.9%, respectively. Non-Chinese had significantly higher social attitude-perception scores than Chinese (p=0.029). Females had significantly higher social (p=0.048) as well as economic and work (p=0.037) attitude-perception scores than males. Those with knowledge of HS had significantly higher attitude-perception scores for interpersonal (p=0.031) and social (p=0.0052) subsections. Limitations: Small sample size, low frequency of HS cases, and self-reported prevalence may not generalise to the broader population in Singapore. Conclusion: Our results suggest a potential underdiagnosis of HS. Non-Chinese stigmatise HS less than Chinese, and females less than males. Individuals with knowledge of HS might be more open to interpersonal and social interactions with HS sufferers.

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Institutions

National University Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health

Categories

Medical Dermatology, Young Adult, Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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