Skindex-29 to Determine Quality of Life and Emotional Factors in Dermatological Conditions

Abstract

Though rarely fatal, skin diseases are known to be associated with increased psychiatric morbidity and considerable impairment of quality of life (QoL). Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in skin diseases can be assessed by generic or skin specific instruments. One hundred sixty patients with a range of dermatological diagnoses were studied on a cross sectional observational paradigm. Skindex-29, a skin specific instrument, was used to assess QoL, while anxiety and depression were assessed by Anxiety Status Inventory (ASI) and Depression Status Inventory (DSI), respectively. Sixty two patients (39%) had impaired QoL out of which 37(60%) had severe impairment. 11 patients (7%) had anxiety and 22(14%) had depression in the mild to moderate range. Gender, anxiety, depression and effect on appearance seem to be not related to impaired QoL. Further large scale studies are needed to ascertain the factors impinging on the QoL of dermatologically ill patients.