Assessing quality of life and contributing factors in dermatological disorder patients

Abstract

Background Dermatological disorders substantially impair physical, psychological, and social well-being.   Objective This study assessed QoL and its determinants among dermatology patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Faisalabad.   Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 adults with chronic dermatological conditions. A structured questionnaire was utilized to obtain socio-demographic and clinical data. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) indexed the quality of life in the patients. Bivariate analyses (t-test, ANOVA) were conducted to find out associations between variables and the DLQI scores. Variables with p<.20 were entered into multiple linear regression to determine independent predictors. A significance level of p<.05 was used.   Results The mean DLQI score was 11.9±6.7, indicating moderate to very large impairment. Overall, 59.3% of patients experienced a very large to extremely large QoL impact. Acne vulgaris (30%), eczema (16.5%), and psoriasis (16.2%) were the most frequent diagnoses. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations of DLQI with age, income, employment, disease duration, disease distribution, treatment duration, treatment type, comorbidities, and concomitant medication use. Regression analysis identified three independent predictors of better QoL (lower DLQI score): longer treatment duration (B=–0.55, p=.004), more extensive disease distribution (B=–1.39, p=.017), and longer disease duration (B=–0.58, p=.002).   Conclusion Dermatological disorders markedly impair QoL, particularly younger adults and those with recent or widespread disease. Early diagnosis, sustained treatment, and psychosocial support may improve outcomes. Localized interventions addressing cultural stigma and access to care are essential.