DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i04.024

Pages: 1222-1225

The study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients towards Acanthosis Nigricans(AN). The Methods was cross-sectional study included 180 patients of Acanthosis nigricans of both genders attending the outpatient department of Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya from April 2015 to September 2015. They were asked to complete a self administered questionnaire that contained several items measuring different areas in their beliefs, knowledge, attitudes and practices about Acanthosis nigricans. In Results the Male and female responders were 42 (23%) and 138 (76%). More than half(62.77%) of the sample considered the use of neck chains contribute to occurrence of AN, 31% believed that weight gain is one of etiologic factor. Eighty four percent believed that AN is not a serious problem, while 24% consider it as a cosmetic problem rather than health problem. Thirty one percent of the patients reported that AN has an impact on social participation and 56 patients reported decrease in self confidence. Scrubbing and rubbing were the most common practice noticed in our study. In Conclusion the results of this study pointed out that misconceptions and false beliefs on AN are widespread and enduring among the AN patients. Health education program on AN is needed to improve their understanding of the condition.