Body dysmorphic disorder among patients who have follow-up in the dermatology unit in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Body dysmorphic disorder is a common mental disorder among dermatology patients and causes significant psychological distress. However, its screening is usually missed in clinical settings. Moreover, limited studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of body dysmorphic symptoms among dermatology patients in an Ethiopian setting. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and associated factors of body dysmorphic disorder among dermatology patients during follow-up. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 404 study participants from September 1 to 30, 2023. Systematic random sampling was utilized to recruit participants. The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ), a screening tool based on DSM-IV criteria, was used to assess body dysmorphic disorders. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to evaluate the strength of associations. A P-value less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results A total of 399 patients participated in the study, for a response rate of 98.8%. The prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder was 70(17.5%) with a 95% CI: (13.8, 21.30). Female sex (AOR = 2.81, 95% (CI = 1.30–6.08), low family income (AOR = 2.26, 95% (1.09–4.69), sexual abuse (AOR = 3.65, 95% (CI = 1.45–9.15), physical abuse (AOR = 2.85, 95% (CI = 1.10–7.39), low self-esteem (AOR = 3.31, 95% (CI = 1.14–9.61), depression (AOR = 2.64; 95% (CI = 1.26–5.53), anxiety (AOR = 2.23, 95% (CI = 1.07–4.63), stress (AOR = 2.76, 95% (CI = 1.34–5.684) and perceived stigma (AOR = 2.46, 95% (CI = 1.20–5.02) were factors associated with body dysmorphic disorder. Conclusion The prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder among dermatology patients was high and positively associated with symptoms such as depression, anxiety, stress, sexual and physical abuse, low self-esteem, and perceived stigma. Therefore, skin health care providers are recommended to screen the patients for body dysmorphic disorder among dermatology patients and facilitate referral to mental health care.