Skin conditions in community-living older adults: prevalence and characteristics of medical care service use.

BACKGROUND: There are considerable gaps in the knowledge of the global epidemiology of skin conditions in the geriatric population.

OBJECTIVE: This study attempted to (1) determine the frequency of skin conditions, (2) evaluate the agreement between two different data sources of information (self-report versus administrative), and (3) document medical care service use for skin conditions in a representative sample of community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS: A secondary analysis using data from a longitudinal population-based health survey conducted in Quebec (2005-2008) within a sample of 2,811 community-dwelling older adults.

RESULTS: Our results highlighted a high prevalence rate of self-reported (13%) and diagnosed skin conditions (21%). Agreement between data sources was low (kappa < 0.20). Most dermatologic-related medical visits were made to dermatologists (almost 60%).

CONCLUSION: The epidemiology of skin conditions in the geriatric population is an under researched field, despite its important prevalence and relevance as a source of information for assessing the health care needs of older adults.