| Title | A survey of skin conditions and concerns in South Asian Americans: a community-based study |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2011 |
| Authors | Shah, SK, Bhanusali, DG, Sachdev, A, Geria, AN, Alexis, AF |
| Journal | J Drugs DermatolJ Drugs Dermatol |
| Volume | 10 |
| Pagination | 524-8 |
| Date Published | May |
| ISBN Number | 1545-9616 (Print)<br/>1545-9616 (Linking) |
| Accession Number | 21533300 |
| Keywords | Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Asia, Southeastern/ethnology, Asian Americans/ statistics & numerical data, Female, Health Surveys, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, New York City/epidemiology, Skin Diseases/ epidemiology/ethnology/physiopathology, Young Adult |
| Abstract | BACKGROUND: South Asians represent a rapidly growing part of the U.S. population, increasing 188 percent from 1990 to 2000 (0.27% to 0.78%). Studies investigating the epidemiology of skin disorders in South Asian Americans are lacking. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine common skin conditions and concerns among this population. METHODS: This was a community-based survey study. The IRB-approved survey tool was distributed to South Asians adults in the New York City area. All data was self-reported. RESULTS: 190 surveys were completed. 54 percent of responders were female and 46 percent were male. The age of participants ranged from 18-74 years. The respondents were predominantly foreign born (76%), but a large minority (32%) reported living in the U.S. for over 20 years. Nearly half (49%) of the study population reported having visited a dermatologist in the past. The five most common dermatologic diagnoses included: acne (37%), eczema (22%), fungal infection (11%), warts (8%) and moles (8%). The five most common concerns included: dry skin (25%), hair loss (22%), uneven tone (21%), dark spots (18%) and acne (17%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the leading skin conditions and concerns in South Asian Americans are similar to those reported in other populations with skin of color. |
Ethno Med: