Gender, Socioeconomic and Health Characteristics Associated to Dermatological visits in Italy: secondary Analysis of a National Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Very few studies have investigated possible role of sociodemographic factors in terms of differences in access to dermatologic visits and almost all of them have been conducted in health system realities where insurance companies play and important role in terms of access to health care providers . To our knowledge in Italy there is lack of studies carried out with the aim to investigate possible role of sociodemographic factors regarding differences in outpatient dermatologic use for a variety of dermatologic conditions. Indeed, some investigations have been focused on specific dermatologic conditions without analyzing the big and extremely wide picture of skin diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze, possible variables associated to tendency to access dermatological visits. Moreover, among chronical conditions we decided to analyze diabetes since presence of this disease may be associated to increased risk of skin lesions and ulcers. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze, possible variables associated to tendency to access dermatological visits. Methods: We analyzed data from the multipurpose Italian cross-sectional Health Interview Survey routinely carried out by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT). Mixed effect logistic regression models have been built to evaluate factors independently associated with dermatological visit. Results Of the 119,073 subjects only the 2,3% underwent to a dermatological visit. People older than 44 years old are less likelihood of undergoing to a dermatological visit as well as people married/cohabiting, separated/divorced and widowed, with low economic resources and living in southern and islands areas. Upper education levels are associated to increased probability of having a dermatological visit as well as lowering class of self-perceived health status and living in northern and center areas. Conclusion: This study shows lack of understanding by general population about importance of periodical dermatological visits and influence of sociodemographic factors for undergoing them. This could generate possible health disparities for dermatological diseases outcomes.