Magnitude and Factors Associated with Seborrheic Dermatitis among Adult Patients Attending Dermatovenerology Outpatient Department at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder affecting sebaceous-gland-rich areas and significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Understanding its magnitude, clinical characteristics, and associated factors is essential for effective management. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the magnitude and factors associated with seborrheic dermatitis among adult patients attending the Dermatovenerology Outpatient Department. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July1 to December 30, 2025, among 378 dermatology outpatients. Systematic random sampling was used to select participants. Data on socio-demographics, clinical characteristics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with SD. Variables with p ≤ 0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 378 dermatology patients participated in the study, with a mean age of 38.9 ± 11.6 years. The majority of participants were male (56.3%) and married (63.8 %). Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) was present in 29.1 % of patients, with the scalp being the most commonly affected area (23.8 %) and itching (19.3%) as the predominant symptom. Patients aged 18–37 years had 1.75 times higher odds (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.10–2.79), and those aged 38–57 years had 9.16 times higher odds (AOR = 9.16; 95% CI: 1.13–10.5) of developing SD. Employment was found to be protective, with employed individuals having a lower risk of SD (AOR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.35 0.93). Alcohol drinking having 3.29 times higher odds of developing the condition (AOR = 3.29; 95% CI: 1.19–9.1. Conclusion: The magnitude of seborrheic dermatitis among adult patients attending the Dermatovenerology Outpatient Department was 29.1. Patients aged 18–37, 38–57 years, and Alcohol drinking having were factors associated with SD. In contrast, employment status appeared to have a protective effect against the development of the disease. Key words: Prevalences, Seborrheic dermatitis, Risk factors, Ethiopia.