Volume 10

Number 2 July 2026

Seborrheic Dermatitis in Medical Students: Prevalence, Severity, and Psychosocial Correlates

DOI: https://doi.org/10.70357/jdamc.2026.v1002.07

Antor AP1 , Akhter S2 , Tousif M3 , Marwa A4 , Tasnim A5 , Sarker R6 , Ahmed T7 , Islam M8

Abstract

Introduction: Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with increased prevalence in high-stress populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical severity, and psychosocial correlates of seborrheic dermatitis among medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 435 undergraduate medical students from five medical colleges in Sylhet, Bangladesh (Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College, Sylhet M.A.G Osmani Medical College, Sylhet Women’s Medical College, North East Medical College, and Parkview Medical College), spanning all academic years from first year through internship using validated instruments: Seborrheic Dermatitis Area and Severity Index (SDASI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and multivariate logistic regression using SPSS 27.0. Results: Current seborrheic dermatitis prevalence was 41.8% (95% CI: 37.1-46.5%), with 71.7% reporting symptoms in the past year. Mean SDASI was 4.15±1.95, with 59.3% mild, 34.1% moderate, and 6.6% severe disease. The scalp (90.7%) and nasolabial folds (45.1%) were most affected. Students with seborrheic dermatitis had significantly higher stress (24.8±5.2 vs 18.5±4.8; p<0.001) and anxiety levels. Common triggers included stress/examinations (89.0%) and sleep deprivation (79.7%). Mean DLQI was 8.34±4.85, with 61.5% reporting moderate to very large quality of life impact. Quality of life correlated more strongly with anxiety (r=0.485) and stress (r=0.421) than clinical severity (r=0.295). Independent predictors included family history (AOR=3.49), high stress (AOR=2.51), oily skin (AOR=2.34), and male sex (AOR=2.18). Conclusion: Seborrheic dermatitis is highly prevalent among medical students and strongly associated with psychological stress and sleep disturbances. The disproportionate quality of life impact relative to clinical severity emphasizes the need for a biopsychosocial management approach. Medical institutions should implement comprehensive support addressing dermatological health, stress management, and sleep hygiene.

Keywords: Seborrheic dermatitis; Medical students; Psychological stress; Sleep quality; Quality of life; Prevalence; Brain-skin axis


  1. Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry

    Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College, Sylhet

  2. Professor and Head, Department of Dermatology and Venereology

    Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College, Sylhet

  3. Lecturer, Department of Microbiology

    Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College, Sylhet

  4. Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry

    Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College, Sylhet

  5. Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry

    Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College, Sylhet

  6. Emergency Medical Officer

    Mount Adora Hospital, Sylhet

  7. Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry

    Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College, Sylhet

  • Intern Doctor

    Cox’s Bazar Medical College

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    Volume 10, Number 2 July 2026
    Page: 35