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Introduction Lack of investments in drug development, lack of standardisation of clinical trials and the complexity of disease presentations contribute to the current lack of effective, safe and adapted treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). One aspect concerns outcomes affecting patients’ quality of life (QoL): these are hardly assessed in trials, despite potential functional and/or aesthetic impairment caused by CL, which typically affects disadvantaged and vulnerable people living in rural areas. Here, we describe the approach used to bring perspectives of patients with CL into designing and assessing treatments. Methods and analysis This international qualitative study uses interviews with patients to explore their experiences with CL to (1) elicit outcomes and eligibility criteria for clinical trials important to them and (2) to better understand their needs and views about the disease and their requirements and expectations from treatment. Here, we describe the set-up of this collaborative study and the protocol. Data collection is ongoing. The protocol includes study design, preparation, conduct and analysis of individual interviews with approximately 80 patients in seven countries (Burkina Faso, Brazil, two sites in Colombia, Iran, Morocco, Peru and Tunisia) where CL is prevalent. Principal investigators and sites were selected through an open call, and two workshops were organised for protocol development and training in conduct and analysis of qualitative health research. Patient recruitment aims at covering a maximum variation of experiences. Transcripts will be analysed to identify outcomes and eligibility criteria as well as further topics that are expected to emerge from the interviews, such as direct and indirect costs related to CL, its psychological impact, preferred modes of drug administration and traditional treatments. Ethics and dissemination The study received ethical approval by the responsible committees of each of the participating institutions. Findings will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, scientific meetings and to participants and their communities. 0015099

Background: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebceous units with a clinical picture which vary significantly from mild comedonal acne to fulminant systemic disease. Acne has a significant impact on appearance, causing psychosocial and emotional distress, and reducing quality of life of the affected patients. Acne distresses patients due to the fact that it mainly affects the face, being easily visible and constantly present in everyday life. So the aim of this study will be minimizing the gap on magnitude and factors associated with acne at Ayder Referral Hospital.Objectives: To assess the magnitude and factors associated with acne among patients attending dermatologic clinic at Ayder referral hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.Methods: An institutional based cross sectional study design and sequential convenience sampling technique was implemented at Ayder referral hospital dermatologic Unit until sample size (423) is fulfilled. A total sample size (402) of data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 16.0. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was done. Data was presented in the form of tables, graphs and numerical measures. Also it was interpreted by using odds ratio, confidence interval of 95% and p-value less than 0.05.Result: The magnitude of acne in ARH, dermatologic OPD was 19.4%. Mean age of patients with acne were 20.6(±4.6)yrs while the mean age at acne start were 17.56(±3.22)yrs. From total of 78 acne patients female accounts 41(52.6%), Urban resident 66(84%) and never married were 65(83.3%). Age (11-20yrs), urban resident, never married individuals, history of acne in the family and cosmetics use were statistically associated with acne on bivariate analysis while family history of acne (AOR7.72(2.99,19.88)CI95%), cosmetics use (AOR4.83(1.66,14.08),CI95%) and never married individuals (AOR2.68(1.04,6.91(CI95%) were significantly associated variables with acne on multivariate analysis.Conclusion and recommendation: The magnitude of acne in ARH was 19.4% and the associated factors were presence of acne in the family and use of cosmetic make-up. People should avoid use of cosmetics make-up without medical advice.