Dermatologic Toxicities and Quality of Life Among Cancer Patients in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study
1
School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
2
School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
3
Faculty of Public health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
4
College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
5
Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2534
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Dermatologic adverse events (DAEs) related to cancer therapies are common and may impair patients’ quality of life (QoL). Evidence from Middle Eastern populations remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence of treatment-related skin toxicities and their impact on QoL among cancer patients in Saudi Arabia (KSA), Egypt, and Lebanon.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult cancer patients in KSA, Egypt, and Lebanon using a structured questionnaire. Dermatology-related QoL was assessed using the Skindex-16 instrument (0–100; higher scores indicate worse QoL). Descriptive, comparative, and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed.
RESULTS:
A total of 343 patients were included (KSA n = 143, Egypt n = 120, Lebanon n = 90). The mean age was 52.1 years, and 64.9% were female. At least one treatment-related skin toxicity was reported by 87.4% of patients in KSA, 82.5% in Egypt, and 85.6% in Lebanon. Common manifestations included dry skin (68.3–73.3%), itching (60.0–66.7%), alopecia or hair changes (54.2–61.1%), nail changes (41.7–48.9%), skin pigmentation changes (36.7–42.2%), and photosensitivity (32.5–37.8%). Use of dermo-cosmetic products varied by country (KSA 76.9%, Lebanon 72.2%, Egypt 61.7%). Mean total Skindex-16 scores were 46.8 in KSA, 44.1 in Egypt, and 48.5 in Lebanon, with moderate-to-severe impairment reported by 66.5%, 61.7%, and 69.8%, respectively. In multivariable linear regression, photosensitivity (β = 14.7; p < 0.001), advanced cancer stage (β = 12.7; p = 0.020), skin pigmentation changes (β = 10.2; p = 0.007), and history of dermatologic conditions (β = 8.9; p = 0.011) were independently associated with worse QoL. Use of dermo-cosmetics was also associated with higher scores (β = 9.9; p = 0.013).
CONCLUSIONS:
Dermatologic toxicities are highly prevalent among cancer patients in KSA, Egypt, and Lebanon and are associated with significant QoL impairment. Integrating dermatologic assessment and supportive skin care into oncology practice may improve patient-centered outcomes.
Dermatologic adverse events (DAEs) related to cancer therapies are common and may impair patients’ quality of life (QoL). Evidence from Middle Eastern populations remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence of treatment-related skin toxicities and their impact on QoL among cancer patients in Saudi Arabia (KSA), Egypt, and Lebanon.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult cancer patients in KSA, Egypt, and Lebanon using a structured questionnaire. Dermatology-related QoL was assessed using the Skindex-16 instrument (0–100; higher scores indicate worse QoL). Descriptive, comparative, and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed.
RESULTS:
A total of 343 patients were included (KSA n = 143, Egypt n = 120, Lebanon n = 90). The mean age was 52.1 years, and 64.9% were female. At least one treatment-related skin toxicity was reported by 87.4% of patients in KSA, 82.5% in Egypt, and 85.6% in Lebanon. Common manifestations included dry skin (68.3–73.3%), itching (60.0–66.7%), alopecia or hair changes (54.2–61.1%), nail changes (41.7–48.9%), skin pigmentation changes (36.7–42.2%), and photosensitivity (32.5–37.8%). Use of dermo-cosmetic products varied by country (KSA 76.9%, Lebanon 72.2%, Egypt 61.7%). Mean total Skindex-16 scores were 46.8 in KSA, 44.1 in Egypt, and 48.5 in Lebanon, with moderate-to-severe impairment reported by 66.5%, 61.7%, and 69.8%, respectively. In multivariable linear regression, photosensitivity (β = 14.7; p < 0.001), advanced cancer stage (β = 12.7; p = 0.020), skin pigmentation changes (β = 10.2; p = 0.007), and history of dermatologic conditions (β = 8.9; p = 0.011) were independently associated with worse QoL. Use of dermo-cosmetics was also associated with higher scores (β = 9.9; p = 0.013).
CONCLUSIONS:
Dermatologic toxicities are highly prevalent among cancer patients in KSA, Egypt, and Lebanon and are associated with significant QoL impairment. Integrating dermatologic assessment and supportive skin care into oncology practice may improve patient-centered outcomes.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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