title: Dimensioning the fear of dermatologic diseases.
abstract: The symbolic representation of a disease is related to personal perceptions and cultural background. In the present study, the authors evaluate the population knowledge and fears related to skin and other prevalent or severe diseases. This survey was based on a semi-structured form to investigate demographic aspects, dermatologic consultations, fears and knowledge of 19 dermatoses and 11 prevalent or severe diseases. We interviewed 302 people, of which 54% were women and the mean age was 39 years. Some fears of dermatoses surpass those of severe diseases. Skin cancer and total alopecia disclosed fears similar to that of myocardial infarction.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine of Botucatu, State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mariana Álvares
authors.initials: MÁ
authors.lastname: Penha
authors.forename: Pamela Medeiros dos
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Hélio Amante
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Miot
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires