Spectrum and distribution of skin disorders among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Skin disorders are among the most common causes of outpatient visits worldwide and are particularly prevalent in developing countries due to climatic, socioeconomic, and hygiene-related factors. Local epidemiological data are essential for effective healthcare planning and preventive strategies.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence, pattern, and associated predictors of dermatological disorders among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh.
Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. A total of 659 patients of all age groups and both sexes were enrolled consecutively following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed demographic and clinical information was collected using a structured data sheet. Dermatological diagnoses were established clinically, supported by laboratory investigations when necessary. Skin disorders were categorized into infectious and non-infectious conditions. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of common dermatological disorders. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate predictive performance. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23.0.
Results: Among 659 participants, 81.03% were female, and 18.97% were male. Fungal infection was the most prevalent dermatological disorder (48.55%), followed by scabies (17.14%), itching/urticaria (14.57%), dermatitis (8.49%), and acne vulgaris (5.0%). Increasing age was independently associated with fungal infection and xerosis, while urban residence showed a significant association with fungal infection and urticaria. Scabies was significantly associated with male gender and diabetes mellitus. ROC analysis demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy for acne (AUC=0.818) and seborrheic dermatitis (AUC=0.761).
Conclusion: Infectious dermatoses remain highly prevalent in Bangladesh, with fungal infections representing the major disease burden. Demographic, environmental, and metabolic factors significantly influence dermatological disease patterns, highlighting the need for improved public awareness and preventive dermatological care.