ID-5184 Wonca Abstracts supplement A-K 13-10-23 - Flipbook - Page 256
WONCA 2023 Supplement 1: WONCA 2023 abstracts (A–K)
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Pattern of skin diseases in high altitude of Nepal and role of
GPs in its management
Dr Tula Gupta1, Prabhat Singh Rajput2, Smriti Mayur Kasaudhan3, Kamal Hamal1
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Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences,
Jumla, Nepal, 2Department of Dermatology, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla, Nepal,
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Department of Community Health Sciences, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla, Nepal
Introduction
The aim of this study is to identify the burden and the role of GPs in the management of skin diseases
in the high-altitude region of Nepal. The pattern of skin diseases varies from one location to other. To
provide quality care in the high-altitude part of Nepal, there has been a subject of debate for policy
makers.
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Materials and methods
A mixed-methods research design was applied. For quantitative analysis, the retrospective data of
skin diseases seen by GPs in the high-altitude part of Nepal was collected and analysed using Excel
version 16.59. We conducted Zoom focus group discussions with seven GPs using semistructured
guidelines. Discussions were recorded and after transcribing the interviews, qualitative analyses were
done.
Results
There were total 488 skin disease cases seen by GPs in a year. Infectious skin diseases conditions
(40.5%) were the most common. The most common disease condition was scabies (22.13%), followed
by dermatitis (19.05%). More than one-quarter of patients (28.48%) were aged 11–20 years. We found
GPs were competent in diagnosing and treating common skin conditions. GPs used a broad spectrum
of strategies to diagnose, investigate, treat and refer the skin cases.
Discussion
Infectious skin conditions were the most common skin disease in the rural high-altitude part of Nepal.
When policy makers have challenge to give quality of care through respective consultants, GPs are
there to diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions. Periodic training and courses should be
offered to GPs in rural set up.
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