Awareness and adoption intent of cutaneous interstitial fluid-based biomarkers in autoimmune dermatoses among healthcare students: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Authors

Geetha Kandasamy, Khalid Orayj, Rayah Asiri, Asma M Alshahrani, Asma Alzaydani, Rajalakshimi Vasudevan, Habab A Osman, Hassabelrasoul Elfadil, Yahya Sharif, Karema Abu-Elfotuh, Vasudevan Mani, Kousalya Prabahar

Published in

Medicine. Volume 105. Issue 24. Pages e49325. Jun 12, 2026.

Abstract

Cutaneous interstitial fluid (ISF) is a minimally invasive biofluid that reflects clinically relevant biochemical and inflammatory biomarkers comparable to blood, highlighting its potential role in autoimmune and inflammatory dermatoses. However, effective clinical translation of ISF-based diagnostics depends not only on technological validation but also on the awareness and readiness of future healthcare professionals. To assess healthcare students' knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and willingness to adopt cutaneous ISF-based biomarker technologies for autoimmune dermatoses, and to identify factors associated with adoption intent. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 282 healthcare students using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were summarized using frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and means ± standard deviations, medians, and interquartile ranges for continuous variables. Pearson correlation and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to examine associations and identify predictors of willingness to adopt ISF biomarkers. Among participants, 36.2% had heard of cutaneous ISF diagnostics and 27.3% could identify a specific ISF biomarker, with mean knowledge scores indicating low to moderate awareness (range: 1.57 ± 0.72 to 2.06 ± 0.83). Despite limited awareness, attitudes were favorable, with 68.8% perceiving ISF as a promising approach (mean 3.40 ± 1.05) and 73.0% expressing trust in its scientific validity (mean 3.63 ± 1.05). Willingness to adopt ISF diagnostics was high, particularly in the absence of cost constraints (73.4%, mean 3.94 ± 1.03) and with access to training (72.7%, mean 3.94 ± 1.03). Support for curriculum integration was also strong (mean scores: 3.95 ± 1.03 and 3.99 ± 1.00; Cohen d = 0.95-0.99). Knowledge and attitudes were positively correlated with adoption intent (r = 0.42-0.51). Multivariable analysis identified attitudes (β = 0.62, P < .001) and knowledge (β = 0.18, P < .001) as significant predictors, explaining 47% of the variance (R2 = 0.47). A clear gap exists between limited knowledge and strong readiness to adopt ISF biomarker diagnostics among healthcare students. Despite low awareness, participants demonstrated positive attitudes, confidence in scientific validity, and willingness to pursue training and future use. These findings highlight the importance of curricular integration and targeted education to support informed adoption of ISF diagnostics in clinical practice.

PMID:
42299520
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 16 Jun 2026.

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