Saudi Medical Students’ Knowledge and Attitude Toward Psoriasis and Vitiligo: A Cross-Sectional Study

ackground: It is imperative that physicians possess the requisite knowledge and an appropriate attitude towards patients with chronic visible skin diseases to reduce social stigmatization and improve patient adherence to treatment. Aim: This study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitude regarding vitiligo and psoriasis among undergraduate Saudi medical students in Saudi universities. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate Saudi medical students in Saudi universities. An electronic self-administered questionnaire was distributed via various social media platforms. The questionnaire encompassed five sections, designed to collect data pertaining to demographic characteristics, knowledge about vitiligo and psoriasis, and attitudes towards both diseases. Results: Of the 958 recipients, 389 participants were determined to be eligible and thus included in the study. Only 10.3% demonstrated a high level of knowledge about psoriasis, while 63.8% exhibited a moderate level, and 26.0% displayed a low level. With regard to knowledge of vitiligo, 19.3% demonstrated a high level, 52.7% exhibited a moderate level, and 28.0% displayed a low level. A positive attitude was observed in 87.7% and 90.7% of respondents, respectively, towards psoriasis and vitiligo. The knowledge level for psoriasis and vitiligo was found to significantly increase with higher academic years (p < 0.001). A positive attitude was also significantly associated with higher academic years in psoriasis and vitiligo (p = 0.003 and 0.038, respectively), and was linked to higher knowledge levels (p < 0.001) regarding psoriasis (p = 0.003) and vitiligo (p = 0.009). Conclusion: There was a correlation between knowledge and attitudes toward vitiligo and psoriasis and academic years. Some gaps in knowledge about both diseases were identified. Modifications to the undergraduate medical curriculum should target the points of defective knowledge and attitude to reach the required levels.