Although the fact that the deficit in personal hygiene, hospital
conditions, psychiatric medications and other factors can all be responsible for
the development of skin problems among long stay psychiatric patients; the rate
of skin diseases among this group is rarely studied. This study aimed to
determine the prevalence of skin diseases among long stay male patients with
schizophrenia in Indonesia. Methods: Patients who were hospitalized in a
psychiatric long-stay institution were recruited, completed a short, structured
interview and underwent a physical examination. Results: A total of 73%
patients in the current study population (N=70 in total) suffered from
dermatological diseases. Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue were
observed in 31 patients (44.3%), and cases of mycosis alone were found in 26
patients (37.1%). Dermatitis and dry skin diseases were found in 12 (17.1%) and
16 (22.9%) patients, respectively. There is insufficient evidence of association
between having a skin disease and the duration of hospital stay (p=0.5), age
(p=0.45) and their Body Mass Index (p=0.53) in this population. Conclusion: The
findings of a high rate of skin diseases among long stay psychiatric patients call
for further attention. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry,