Abstract

Introduction: A common dermatosis is a skin disease that frequently affects the general population or a specific population. In Cameroon, as elsewhere in Africa, dermatosis remains a major public health problem. This is why we thought it would be appropriate to learn more about the attitudes and practices of the population regarding the community management of some dermatoses. Objective: To describe attitudes and practices of the population of the city of Yaoundé regarding the community management of 5 common dermatoses. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional KAP study of all adults who had used Traditional medicine for the treatment of 5 common dermatoses, namely tartar, scabies, ringworm, acne and diaper rash, in the city of Yaoundé. Attitudinal and practical behaviour was assessed using a questionnaire that had been pre-tested and adapted. An inventory of treatments was carried out with the help of the same questionnaire and the support of a Traditional Healer, in order to identify these treatments according to their vernacular names. The variables studied were socio-demographic profile, levels of knowledge, attitudes, practices and treatments used concerning community dermatoses care. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26 software. Results: A total of 205 participants were recruited from 8 formal markets in Yaoundé. The median age was 34 years, with a predominance of women (60.49%) and an M/F sex ratio of 0.65. Concerning Participants’ attitudes, the majority used traditional and modern medicine concomitantly to treat the 5 dermatoses. As for practices, one proportion observed before acting (39.02%), while the other resorted to self-medication (38.05%). The inventory of traditional medicines used to treat dermatitis identified 25 plants and 2 products. The most common botanical families were Fabaceae, Annonaceae and Lamiaceae. The most commonly used plant organs were leaves and bark. The mode of administration was through the skin using oils (49.4%) and baths (45.78%). Conclusion: People’s Attitudes about community management of these dermatoses indicated the use of both traditional and conventional medicine. Practices favored therapeutic abstention and/or self-medication.

Keywords

attitudes, practices, dermatoses, traditional medicine, community management