Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Hidradenitis Suppurativa among Young Adults in Singapore

Background: The prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is 0.00033% to 4.10% globally. Few epidemiological studies derive from Asia, with social stigmatisation postulated to result in under-diagnosis.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the self-reported prevalence of HS, and the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards HS among Singaporean young-adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study (n=158) was conducted by anonymous online questionnaire. The association between demographic factors and risk of potentially undiagnosed HS was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Differences between attitude-perception scores by demographic factors and knowledge of HS were tested using two-sample t-tests.

Results: The prevalence of diagnosed and potentially undiagnosed HS was 0.63% and 8.9%, respectively. Non-Chinese had significantly higher social attitude-perception scores than Chinese (p=0.029). Females had significantly higher social (p=0.048) as well as economic and work (p=0.037) attitude-perception scores than males. Those with knowledge of HS had significantly higher attitude-perception scores for interpersonal (p=0.031) and social (p=0.0052) subsections.

Limitations: Small sample size, low frequency of HS cases, and self-reported prevalence may not generalise to the broader population in Singapore.

Conclusion: Our results suggest a potential underdiagnosis of HS. Non-Chinese stigmatise HS less than Chinese, and females less than males. Individuals with knowledge of HS might be more open to interpersonal and social interactions with HS sufferers.

{'Background': '全球范围内，化脓性汗腺炎（HS）的患病率介于0.00033%至4.10%之间。亚洲地区少有流行病学研究的开展，推测社会污名化可能导致了诊断不足。', 'Objective': '本研究旨在评估新加坡年轻成年人对HS的自我报告患病率，以及他们对HS的知识、态度和认知。', 'Methods': '通过匿名在线问卷调查进行了一项横断面研究（n=158），采用多变量逻辑回归评估了人口统计学因素与潜在未诊断HS风险之间的关联。使用成对样本t检验测试了不同人口统计学因素和HS知识对态度-认知评分的影响。', 'Results': '已诊断和潜在未诊断的HS患病率分别为0.63%和8.9%。非华人群体在社交态度-认知评分上显著高于华人群体（p=0.029）。女性在社交（p=0.048）以及经济和工作（p=0.037）态度-认知评分上显著高于男性。了解HS知识的人群在人际（p=0.031）和社会（p=0.0052）子部分的态度-认知评分显著更高。', 'Limitations': '样本量小，HS病例频率低，以及自我报告的患病率可能无法推广至新加坡更广泛的群体。', 'Conclusion': '我们的研究结果提示HS可能存在诊断不足。非华人群体对HS的污名化程度低于华人群体，女性低于男性。了解HS知识的人可能更愿意与HS患者进行人际和社会互动。'}