A population-based prevalence survey of skin diseases in adolescents and adults in rural Sumatra, Indonesia, 1999

Skin disorders are one of the most common presenting health problems and pose a considerable public health problem in developing and developed countries. A population-based survey ( n = 917) was conducted in October and November 1999 to determine the prevalence of skin diseases in 3 rural villages in Indonesia (Riau province, Sumatra). The overall individual response rate was 96%. Household interviews were conducted to obtain information on skin conditions, basic socio-demographic factors and lifestyle habits. Trained doctors performed a thorough clinical skin examination of each subject in the household. The overall prevalence of skin disease in the 3 villages was 28·2% (95% confidence intervals 24·6–31·8). The prevalence of fungal infections (12·0%) was twice as high as dermatitis (5·1%). As skin conditions are common in rural Indonesia, it is advisable to improve the training of nurses and doctors in the prevention and treatment of skin disorders.