Quality of Life Assessment in Iraqi Patients with Acne Vulgaris and Psoriasis

Abstract

ABSTRACT:BACKGROUND:Skin diseases may affect daily lives of individuals and their psychological and social relationships. Appropriate measurement systems are required to evaluate the impact of the disease on the quality of life. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is an important and commonly used dermatology specific quality of life instrument.OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life in 2 common dermatological disorders (acne and psoriasis) in Iraqi patients attending dermatological outpatient clinic, Baghdad Teaching Hospital.PATIENTS AND METHODS:A case series study of 400 patients with 2 dermatological diseases (acne and psoriasis); 200 patients for each disease were evaluated. Information related to socio-demographic data and disease severity were recorded and quality of life was assessed by means of the Dermatology Life Quality Index.RESULTS:The DLQI of patients with acne and psoriasis were comparable; 7.71+/-4.64 and 8.52+/-4.48 respectively. In patients with acne the DLQI was significantly affected by higher level of education P=0.002, also in unmarried patients P=0.0001. Increased disease severity also affected DLQI (P=0.003). In patients with psoriasis the only factor which was associated with a higher DLQI was female gender.CONCLUSION:Acne and psoriasis affect significantly the DLQI of patients. DLQI is a good indicator of the impact of the disease on the life of the patient.