Hidradenitis suppurativa prevalence in Algeria: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Introduction Although there has been an expansion of knowledge on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), data about the disease is largely based on Western population and no relevant African or Asian studies are available. Methods We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study, as part of GHiSA (Global HS Atlas) initiative, to assess the epidemiologic profile of HS in Algerian population. Healthy adults accompanying patients undergoing care in a non-dermatological wards were approached and invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire. Subsequently, a clinical assessment was performed by an in-person dermatologists for all screen-positive participants and ten percent of the screen-negative ones. Results A total of 1434 participants were included in this study. The prevalence of HS among Algerian adults was 0.78%. Compared to non HS group, no significant difference was found regarding gender, age, body mass index and smoker status. Both the sensitivity (100%) and the specificity (97%) of the HS screening questionnaire were excellent. Conclusion The prevalence of HS in Algeria is very close to that of Australia (0.8%) and Europe (0.7%) and almost the same prevalence found by Ghanaian study (other GHiSA study from Africa). The results of this study demonstrate also the reliability and validity of GHiSA questionnaire as HS data collection instrument.