Dermatological Health and Associated Risk Factors Among Residents of Bhit Island, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the skin health of people of Bhit Island, and to investigate the prevalence, awareness, and
treatment of common skin diseases, as well as related environmental, socioeconomic, and behavioural factors. Between October-December 2024 we conducted a cross sectional survey using simple random sampling in Bhit Island, Kemari Town in Karachi, Pakistan. Three hundred residents aged ≥15 years, living on the island for at least six months, were interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data collection included demographics, skin disease history, hygiene practices, treatment behaviour, and psychological impact. The photographs of skin conditions of participants were taken with their consent. Using Chi square tests (p ≤ 0.05 considered significant) statistical relationship was analyzed. 68.3% participants has experienced at least one skin disease in the previous six months. The most common diseases were scabies (43.7%), ringworm (21.3%), and acne (15.7%). In case of pediculosis capitis the significant association was seen with age, gender, occupation, education, recent experience, and recurrence. Scabies was significantly associated with education, income, recent experience, and recurrence and acne show association with age, gender, occupation, education, recent experience, and recurrence. Poor living conditions, sharing personal items, and infrequent nail cutting were linked to higher disease prevalence. Treatment challenges included high costs and limited access to healthcare. Results shows that high skin disease frequency is influenced by environmental and socioeconomic variables, poor hygiene practices, and treatment barriers.
Enhancing hygiene education, improving living conditions, and increasing access to affordable healthcare are essential for reducing dermatological disease burden on Bhit Island.