Study of Quality of life (QoL) of Patients with Common Skin Diseases

Abstract

The pattern of skin diseases varies from one country to another. In particular, in India, where customs, religions,
languages, climate and socioeconomic conditions vary across different parts of the country.It is very important to
measure the impact of dermatologic disease on the quality of life. Measurement of the quality of life can be used
in clinical research as well as for political and financial purposes relating to the development of dermatological
services. Quality of life measures may also be effectively used in auditing clinical activities.
This study was conducted in the field practice areas of the Urban and Rural Health Centres, Department of
Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
It was community based and cross- sectional study. The study period was one year i.e. from June 2016 to May
2017. Inclusion criteria: All individuals of the household. Exclusion Criteria: All who did not gave consent. Sampling
Method: Systematic random sampling with Population Proportionate to Size (PPS) was used to draw sample size.
Ethical clearance was obtained from ethical committee, JNMC, AMU, Aligarh. Informed verbal consent was taken
from each subject before interview(Copy of ethical committee is attached).
Results reported that the overall mean QoL Indices score of the study population, the mean for the urban and rural
population is almost equal. There was overall moderate effect on quality of life of both males and females in the
study population. There was significant moderate effect on quality of life of patients in the older age groups (most
affected-51-60yr, followed by 41-50yr, 31-40yr, and 19-30yr) compared to the age group 6-10 years.
Measuring the impairment of the quality of life in dermatology patients is an important aspect of management. It
allows clinicians to assess the extent and nature of the disability so that an appropriate management regimen can
be implemented and its effectiveness assessed