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Cutaneous disorders in the “bairro Inhamudima” of Beira, Mozambique
Author(s) -
Chhaganlal Kajal,
Van Jaarsveld Inge,
Hoffmann Kristina,
Ramos Maria Isabel,
Krober Monique,
De Hoop Dirk
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03482.x
Subject(s) - medicine , scabies , dermatology , slum , population , disease , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , pediatrics , family medicine , environmental health , pathology
Background There are no reliable data on the prevalence of skin diseases in Mozambique. Aim To address this issue and to apply the findings to the dermatology teaching program at the Universidade Católica de Moçambique. Methods Medical students attempted to identify the most common skin disorders in the “bairro Inhamudima” of Beira, Mozambique by conducting a population survey. During a 3‐month period, the students visited families in a slum area. Information on gender, age, human immunodeficiency virus status, cutaneous abnormalities, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical course was recorded. Results Eleven per cent of the study population suffered from cutaneous disease. More than half the patients (57%) sought medical assistance, but 39% could not be diagnosed by the medical students. The most common disorder was scabies. Other problems included fungal infections, viral infections, allergies, and dermatitis with or without secondary bacterial infection. Conclusions There is a major dermatologic need in the slum areas of Beira, Mozambique. The dermatology teaching program should pay particular attention to training in the diagnosis and management of infections and infestations.