Epidemiological and clinical features of hypertrophic scar and keloid in Chinese college students: A university-based cross-sectional survey. Issue 4 (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, An-Hao; Sun, Xiao-Lu; Liu, Di-Zhi; Xu, Fan; Feng, Shi-Jie; Zhang, Shi-Yu; Li, Lu-Zhou; Zhou, Jia-Li; Wang, Yi-Ting; Zhang, Li; Lin, Xiao; Gao, Shu-Bin; Yue, Xin; Liu, Xiao-Ming; Jin, Guang-Hui; Xu, Bin
• Is Part Of: Heliyon. Volume 9:Issue 4(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Hypertrophic scar -- Keloid -- Epidemiology -- College students; Research -- Periodicals; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; Natural history -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Periodicals; 507.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15345
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-8440

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Hypertrophic scar (HS) and keloid (KD) are common dermal fibroproliferative growth caused by pathological wound healing. HS's prevalence is currently undetermined in China. Though it primarily occurs in dark-skinned individuals, KD can develop in all races, and its prevalence among Chinese people is poorly documented. Objective: To explore the present epidemiological status of them in Chinese college students. Methods: We conducted a university-based cross-sectional study at one university in Fujian, China. A total of 1785 participants aged 16–34 years (mean age, 20.0 ± 2.0; 58.7% female) were enrolled and statistical analyses were performed. Results: HS and KD were observed in 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.2–6.2) and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.3–1.0) of the population respectively. There was a significant difference by sex in HS ( P < 0.05), but not in KD. The prevalence of HS and KD both showed a significant difference by age ( P < 0.05), but not in ethnic and native place distribution. The occurrence of HS and KD were both concentrated in individuals 9–20 years old (HS: 77.2%; KD: 81.8%). They were mainly distributed in the upper limbs (52.1%; 64.3%), and the main cause was trauma (51.0%; 35.7%). In addition, male sex was a risk factor for HS (adjusted P < 0.001), and KD was associated with age ≥22 years and family history (adjusted P < 0.050). Conclusion: HS and KD are common in Chinese college students, and more attention and research is warranted.