French people and skin diseases - Results of a survey using a representative sample

Objective: To evaluate, from the patients' viewpoint, the prevalence, management, and impact of main dermatologic disorders in France. Design: Survey conducted from March 28 to May 6, 2002, with the Sofres Taylor Nelson Institute on 10 000 households using 1 questionnaire per household. Setting: General community. Patients: A total of 25 441 subjects from 10000 households determined to be representative of the French population and regularly surveyed by the Taylor Nelson Sofres Institute. Main, Outcome Measures: Estimation of the prevalence of skin disorders by the French population. Results: Of the 10000 households, 7466 (74.7%) returned the questionnaire, which was completed for 18 13 7 (71.3%) of the 25 441 subjects. Of those, 15 742 reported having had skin problems since birth, or, by extrapolation, 86.8% (47.29 million) of the French population; 7841 reported having had skin problems in the past 24 months, or, by extrapolation, 43.2% (23.53 million) of the French population; and 28.7% said that their skin problems impaired their daily life. However, 61% of the sample were satisfied with their dermatologist. Conclusion: This survey of perceived health status in France highlights both the prevalence of skin disorders and the underestimation of the effects of dermatologic disorders in public health. A majority of the French population is satisfied with the care supplied by dermatologists.