Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of hidradenitis suppurativa among young adults in Singapore.

Background: The prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is 0.00033% to 4.10% globally. Few epidemiological studies derive from Asia, with social stigmatization postulated to result in under-diagnosis.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the self-reported prevalence of HS, and the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards HS among Singaporean young-adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study ( = 158) was conducted by anonymous online questionnaire. The association between demographic factors and risk of potentially undiagnosed HS was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Differences between attitude-perception scores by demographic factors and knowledge of HS were tested using two-sample t-tests.

Results: The prevalence of diagnosed and potentially undiagnosed HS was 0.63% and 8.9%, respectively. Non-Chinese had significantly higher social attitude-perception scores than Chinese ( = .029). Females had significantly higher social ( = .048) as well as economic and work ( = .037) attitude-perception scores than males. Those with knowledge of HS had significantly higher attitude-perception scores for interpersonal ( = .031) and social ( = .0052) subsections.

Limitations: Small sample size, low frequency of HS cases, and self-reported prevalence may not generalize to the broader population in Singapore.

Conclusion: Our results suggest a potential underdiagnosis of HS. Non-Chinese stigmatize HS less than Chinese, and females less than males. Individuals with knowledge of HS might be more open to interpersonal and social interactions with HS sufferers.