Characterization of albinos with dermatological diseases under the "One Health" approach
Keywords:
albinismo oculocutáneo, enfermedades de la piel, Una sola salud, protectores solares, CubaAbstract
The One Health approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health. In patients with oculocutaneous albinism, dermatological diseases present a clinical and social challenge, with a high prevalence of actinic damage and skin cancer. To characterize patients with oculocutaneous albinism and dermatological diseases under the One Health approach. A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on 45 patients with oculocutaneous albinism over 18 years of age from Las Tunas, Cuba (March 2025–February 2026). Demographic and dermatological variables, sun exposure, sun protection use, and systemic diseases were evaluated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Fisher's exact test (α = 0.05). Premalignant (44.4%) and malignant (26.7 %) lesions predominated, with the latter being more frequent in rural areas (33.3 % and 17.8 %, respectively). 95.6% were exposed to the sun, and 93.3% reported using sun protection, although sunscreen was the least used; jackets/sweaters and sunglasses were the most common. 100 % presented with ophthalmological conditions, followed by cardiovascular (30 %) and respiratory (15 patients) conditions. There was no significant association between systemic and dermatological diseases (p>0.05), except for a linear trend with education level (p = 0.013). There is a high prevalence of premalignant and malignant skin lesions, low use of specific sunscreens, and a high burden of systemic comorbidities. The One Health approach is essential for designing intersectoral interventions that address the social, environmental, and economic determinants of health in this vulnerable population.
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