What Proportion of the Spanish Dermatology Caseload Corresponds to Primarily Sexually Transmitted Infections and Other Anogenital Dermatoses? Results From the DIADERM National Random Survey

Abstract

Background and objective: Predominantly sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and infestations and other anogenital dermatoses are covered in the training of specialists in dermatology and venereology in Spain. This study aimed to analyze the proportion of the dermatology caseload these diseases account for within the public and private dermatological activity of the Spanish health system.

Material and methods: Observational cross-sectional study of time periods describing the diagnoses made in outpatient dermatology clinics, obtained through the anonymous DIADERM survey of a representative random sample of dermatologists. Based on diagnostic codes of the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, 36 related diagnoses were selected, and classified into 12 groups.

Results: Only 3.16% of diagnoses corresponded to STIs and other anogenital dermatoses. The most common diagnostic group was anogenital human papillomavirus infection, followed by molluscum contagiosum, and inflammatory anogenital dermatoses. Lesions with these diagnoses were usually the main reasons for first visits in the National Health Service. In private practice, the diagnoses usually came after referrals from other physicians.

Conclusions: STIs and other anogenital dermatoses account for a very small proportion of the dermatology caseload in Spain, although the inclusion of molluscum contagiosum diagnoses overestimates these conditions. The fact that no STI centers or monographic STI consultations were included in the random sample of dermatology partly explains the under-representation of these areas of the specialty. A determined effort to support and promote monographic STI centres and clinics should be made.

Keywords: Actividad ambulatoria; Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades, CIE-10; Consulta externa hospitalaria; Dermatología; Enfermedades de transmisión sexual; International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10); Outpatient clinics; Outpatient health; Services; Sexually transmitted diseases; Venereology; Venereología.