The Prevalence of Dermoscopy Use Among Dermatology Residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technology used to examine the skin's invisible microstructures in dermatological practice and is gaining prominence as a crucial tool. Dermoscopy is an evidence-based practice used to enhance the early detection of skin malignancies and to help distinguish between various skin conditions, including pigmented and nonpigmented skin malignancies. Currently, the vast majority of global guidelines for skin cancer recommend dermoscopy as a critical component. Dermoscopy use is increasing worldwide, but to date, no study has documented the attitudes toward and use of dermoscopy among future dermatologists in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: We aimed to determine the proportion of dermatology residents in Riyadh who use dermoscopy in their clinical practice; identify factors influencing the use of dermoscopy, such as availability of equipment, training, and the perceived importance of dermoscopy in clinical practice; explore barriers to dermoscopy use, including the lack of access to necessary resources (eg, dermoscopes) and insufficient training; and provide insights into the adoption and integration of dermoscopy into dermatology training and clinical practice in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: In January 2024, a validated and published questionnaire was modified to meet research requirements and was sent to all registered dermatology residents in the The Saudi Board of Dermatology and Venereology Program.

Results: In total, 63 dermatology residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, completed the web-based questionnaire (response rate=87.5%). The sample was predominantly female (n=34, 54.0%), with the majority (n=53, 84.1%) aged between 26 and 30 years. A notable proportion of participants (n=22, 34.9%) were in their final year of residency. Over half of the participants (n=34, 54.0%) owned a dermoscope, and a substantial number of them (n=23, 36.5%) reported conducting 21-30 clinic consultations per month on average. More than half of the participants (n=36, 57.1%) had received dermoscopy training, and 16 (36.4%) had used dermoscopy for 2 years. Additionally, most participants (n=20, 45.5%) had used nonpolarized immersion-contact dermoscopy, while 19 (43.2%) had used polarized light dermoscopy. Furthermore, the majority (n=22, 50.0%) used dermoscopy in fewer than 10% of cases involving patients with inflammatory skin lesions. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between the participants' ages (P=.003), residency levels (P=.001), and practice centers and the use of dermoscopy (P=.004).

Conclusions: Dermoscopy has been widely adopted by dermatology residents in their daily clinical practice due to its benefits in early detection and diagnosis of skin diseases. However, the overall extent of dermoscopy use within the dermatology community remains unclear, highlighting the need for further education. In Saudi Arabia, the key factors influencing dermoscopy use include residents' ages, residency levels, and practice centers. Younger dermatologists have expressed strong interest in improving their dermoscopy knowledge and skills. Expanding access to dermoscopy equipment and providing training during residency could further promote its use across the country.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; cross-sectional study; dermatology; dermoscopy; noninvasive; questionnaire; skin lesion.