French people and skin diseases: results of a survey using a representative sample.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, from the patients' viewpoint, the prevalence, management, and impact of main dermatologic disorders in France.

DESIGN

Survey conducted from March 28 to May 6, 2002, with the Sofres Taylor Nelson Institute on 10,000 households using 1 questionnaire per household.

SETTING

General community.

PATIENTS

A total of 25,441 subjects from 10,000 households determined to be representative of the French population and regularly surveyed by the Taylor Nelson Sofres Institute.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Estimation of the prevalence of skin disorders by the French population.

RESULTS

Of the 10 000 households, 7466 (74.7%) returned the questionnaire, which was completed for 18,137 (71.3%) of the 25,441 subjects. Of those, 15,742 reported having had skin problems since birth, or, by extrapolation, 86.8% (47.29 million) of the French population; 7841 reported having had skin problems in the past 24 months, or, by extrapolation, 43.2% (23.53 million) of the French population; and 28.7% said that their skin problems impaired their daily life. However, 61% of the sample were satisfied with their dermatologist.

CONCLUSION

This survey of perceived health status in France highlights both the prevalence of skin disorders and the underestimation of the effects of dermatologic disorders in public health. A majority of the French population is satisfied with the care supplied by dermatologists.