Non-Adherence among Iraqi ACNE Patients: Dermatosemiotics Study

One public health dilemma in Iraq and around the world is the adherence to medications and medical advices for Acne. Non-adherence (semiotic) is problem that underpin failure of communication which is considered as a financial burden on health care system.

This qualitative Study aims to improving adherence to treatment for Iraqi Acne Patients, using complexity science and system thinking as dermatosemiotic paradigm, it was conducted from January 2016 to December 2017, data collected from thirty patients (male: female, 2:1), age ranged from (16-25). Collected data were analyzed using dermatosemiotic analysis. The findings are presented and discussed under the themes of life world as articulated by the five emergent themes of Ann Hemingway.

Adherence of acne patients to medical and behavioral intervention is improved after creating dialogical space with patient that gives opportunity to share the new semiotic view of health and skin problem. The results refers that induction of paradigm shift from linear thinking to system thinking manifested clinically as behavioral change from non-adherence to adherence.