Comparative descriptive analysis of socio-demographic status in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients with mycoses of the skin, hair and nails

BACKGROUND: Despite the achievements of modern medicine, people's susceptibility to fungal infections is only increasing. In this regard, it is extremely important to understand which social factors are most characteristic of people suffering from mycoses of the skin, hair and nails.

AIM: to study the socio-demographic status of immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients with mycoses of skin, hair and nails.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter prospective cohort observational study of the social and demographic characteristics of immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals with mycoses of the skin of hair and nails was conducted. Four groups of patients were formed: immunocompetent persons, persons with diabetes mellitus, patients with autoimmune diseases while taking immunosuppressants, patients with infection human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A total of 646 people were examined. To ensure the quality of research and information processing, questionnaires were developed to be filled in for each examined patient. At the time of inclusion in the study, data concerning the place of residence and living conditions of patients, their lifestyle, marital status, bad habits and profession were entered into the questionnaires.

RESULTS: Significant differences (p <0.0001) were revealed between the studied socio- demographic characteristics in the study groups. The age of immunocompetent patients with mycoses of skin, hair and nails was 9–14 years lower than the age of immunocompromised. Female persons prevailed in the case of autoimmune diseases ― 71.1%. Harmful habits were registered in 60% of patients with superficial mycoses and HIV. 83.33% of autoimmune patients were married. Urban residents prevailed over rural residents in the case of diabetes mellitus and autoimmune pathology. Persons of manual work professions in 48.48% of cases were identified among patients with HIV infection, which was more than in other study groups.

CONCLUSION: When studying the socio- demographic characteristics of patients with mycoses of skin, hair and nails, significant differences were revealed in all the factors studied. The obtained results indicate the need to develop a personalized approach to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of these infections.