Quality of life in skin diseases as perceived by patients and nurses

Abstract

Introduction: The appearance of the skin and its appendages not only reflects the general body condition, but also exerts an effect on one’s self-esteem and self-image, and the way he/she is perceived by the others. Aim: To analyse the quality of life (QOL) in dermatological diseases, assessed by the patients themselves and the nurses being their caregivers. Material and methods: The survey was completed by 300 patients diagnosed with various dermatological conditions; however, only the data from 281 surveys were considered during the analysis. All patients completed an anonymous questionnaire designed specifically for the purpose of the study. The survey included 32 questions. Moreover, the study patients were surveyed with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Moreover, the study included 1713 nurses employed in various healthcare institutions and providing care to patients with dermatological diseases. The survey for the nurses consisted of 32 questions. Results: Mean DLQI score for the study patients was 12.4 ±8.1 points. Based on the median, lower and upper quartile values, every fourth person presented with DLQI scores > 18 points, half of the respondents had DLQI scores no greater than 12 points, and every fourth respondent experienced good QOL (DLQI score no higher than 5 points). Conclusions: According to the majority of patients and nurses, individuals with skin conditions are not fully able to cope with their disease and show a negative attitude towards it. The QOL of patients with skin diseases is determined by the type of the dermatological condition.