Study to Understand Public Attitudes and Stigma Toward Skin Conditions Alopecia Areata, Atopic Dermatitis, Vitiligo, and Psoriasis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how the general population emotionally reacts to facial involvement in four major skin diseases psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata. The study aims to compare social distance and stereotyping toward individuals with these conditions and to identify demographic factors linked to a higher tendency to stigmatize. This observational research focuses on understanding stigma associated with these dermatologic diseases. Participants will view images of faces affected by atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and psoriasis, created through artificial intelligence. They will select which face evokes feelings such as compassion, disgust, blame, or curiosity. Each participant will then complete a 14-question stigma survey related to one of the four diseases, randomly assigned. Responses are scored on a 1 to 5 Likert scale, measuring social distance and stereotyping. During the study, basic demographic information like age, gender, employment, and education will be collected. The research team will analyze emotional responses and stigma scores to assess attitudes in the general population. The main outcome will be evaluated after 12 months. The total participation time and follow-up details are based on this 12-month endpoint, with no treatments or interventions involved.

Evaluation of Stigma Toward Patients With Alopecia Areata, Atopic Dermatitis, Vitiligo, and Psoriasis