Quality of life in patients of melasma
Keywords:
Melasma, quality of life, DLQIAbstract
Objectives To determine the impact of melasma on quality of life (QoL) using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in our patients. Patients and methods An observational study was carried out at the Department of Dermatology, King Edward Medical University/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore from December 12, 2009 to June 11, 2010. A total of 100 patients suffering from melasma, of any severity, with age 16 years or above, belonging to either sex, who themselves were able to understand and fill the DLQI questionnaire in English or Urdu version, were enrolled in the study. Using the DLQI questionnaire, consisting of 10 questions, patients were asked to score on a scale from 0-3 for each of 10 items. The data were analyzed after compiling the results. The higher the DLQI score, the poorer is the QoL. Results Mean age of the patients was 29.90±7.18 years. There were 82 (82%) female and 18 (18%) male patients. The mean DLQI score of all patients was 17.08±5.22. The findings indicate several areas in which melasma had an impact on individual’s QoL, particularly in relation to symptoms and feelings and personal relationships. Women reported poorer QoL compared to men. Mean DLQI score was 16.00+4.93 in males and 17.32+5.28 in females. Patients with mild, moderate and severe disease had mean DLQI scores of 16.23±5.35, 19.32±3.99 and 22.0±2.0, respectively. Conclusion Melasma causes a “very large effect” on patients’ quality of life. Impairment of QoL is greater in females and patients with severe disease.References
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